By Razeen Gutta
Francesco Acerbi has been suspended from Italy’s national team after being accused of racially abusing Napoli defender Juan Jesus.
The incident took place during Inter Milan’s 1-1 Serie A draw with Napoli on Sunday, when Brazil international Jesus scored a late equaliser to rescue a point for his side.
Television images showed Jesus pointing to the “keep racism out” badge on his shirt as he protested Acerbi’s actions to the referee.
Footage on social media showed the Inter man apologising to Jesus with his words being interpreted as: “I’m sorry, I’m not racist” before they exchanged further words.
The players embraced after the final whistle.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jesus said that Acerbi apologised and that all was now well.
“What happens on the field, stays on the field. Acerbi apologised, he went a bit over the top with his words. He is a good guy,” Jesus said.
“Moreover, obviously we’re adults, we can sort it out on the field. He apologised, we moved on and when the referee blows his whistle everything ends there. It’s fine.”
The Italian football federation said that Acerbi explained his version of events to his manager and teammates and it has been decided that he will play no part in the national team’s games against Venezuela and Ecuador this month.
Pictured above: Francesco Acerbi.
Image source: @acerbi_fra
