Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi was dismissed from Italy’s national team training camp on Monday following an allegation of racial abuse against Napoli’s Juan Jesus during Sunday’s Serie A match.
Juan Jesus, who is Black, expressed visible distress in the second half, approaching the referee, who then summoned Acerbi.
In televised close-up footage, Juan Jesus appeared to indicate to the referee that Acerbi had used a racist remark. Juan Jesus also pointed to his shirt sleeve, adorned with a ‘Keep Racism Out’ badge, part of the league’s anti-racism initiative.
Acerbi had joined the Italy squad in Rome ahead of their trip to the United States for friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador. However, the 36-year-old has now been replaced by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.
The Italian soccer federation stated that, in line with the Azzurri’s internal policy, Acerbi spoke to Italy coach Luciano Spalletti and the players, presenting his version of “the presumed racist expression” he allegedly used.
“From the Inter defender’s account, pending a full reconstruction of what happened with due respect to the autonomy of the sporting justice system, it emerged that there was no defamatory, denigrating, or racist intent on his part,” the FIGC said.
“Nevertheless, it was decided to exclude Acerbi from the squad for the next two friendly matches in the United States, to ensure the necessary serenity for the national team and the player himself, who will return to his club today.”
Both Acerbi’s agent and Inter have not yet responded to requests for comment, and the player has remained silent on his social media channels. Juan Jesus declined to confirm what occurred. “What happens on the field, stays on the field,” the Brazilian told DAZN. “Acerbi apologized; he got a bit carried away with his words. He is a good guy.
“Moreover, obviously we’re adults; we can sort it out on the field. He apologized, we moved on, and when the referee blows his whistle, everything ends there. It’s fine.” Acerbi and Juan Jesus embraced at the end of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with Juan Jesus scoring a late equalizer against his former team.
“I hope it doesn’t happen again because he’s an intelligent guy,” the 32-year-old Juan Jesus added. Acerbi faced no disciplinary action from the referee.
Should the Italian soccer federation launch an investigation, Acerbi could potentially face a ban of at least 10 matches. The outcome may hinge on the details included in the referee’s report, which has been forwarded to the Italian league’s sporting judge.
