Italian league begins investigation into alleged racist insult by Francesco Acerbi against Brazilian defender – 03/19/2024 – Sport

The Italian Football League announced this Tuesday (19) the opening of an investigation against Inter Milan player Francesco Acerbi for alleged racist insults against Napoli’s Brazilian defender Juan Jesus.

“After being aware of the arbitration summary, the sports judge considers it necessary for the federation’s attorney to investigate with the aim of clarifying what happened between the Napoli player Juan Jesus and the Inter Milan player Francesco Acerbi, in reference to the alleged expressions of discrimination racial statements made by the latter”, the Italian League said in a statement.

After the match between the two teams last Sunday (17), which ended in a 1-1 draw, the Brazilian defender declared that Acerbi “crossed the line”, but that both men resolved themselves on the pitch.

According to images of the match shown on television, Juan Jesus complains to the referee apparently saying: “he called me black”.

After the incident was revealed, Acerbi was recalled and left the concentration of the Italy team, which is preparing to play two friendlies in the United States in preparation for the European Championship, against Venezuela and Ecuador.

In a statement, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said that the Italian player gave his version of events to his teammates and coach Luciano Spalletti and that his comment “was not intended to be defamatory.”

Upon returning to Milan, the 36-year-old athlete declared to the press that he did not make “racist comments”.

The defender runs the risk of being suspended for up to 10 games, which would leave him out of the rest of the season and jeopardize his participation in the European Championship (June 14 to July 14), in which Italy will defend the title won in 2021.