Italian FA investigators are looking into an incident which saw Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi make an obscene gesture at Roma fans.
This according to Italian news outlet Sportface.it, who report that the incident occurred shortly after a VAR check on the 35-year-old’s goal during yesterday’s Serie A match at the Stadio Olimpico.
Acerbi was the scorer of Inter’s opening goal in yesterday’s 4-2 Serie A win against Roma.
The former Lazio and Sassuolo defender headed home from a corner.
There was a VAR check on whether the goal should stand. This was in respect to a possible push on Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio by Inter striker Marcus Thuram.
However, the goal was allowed to stand by referee Marco Guida.
In the meantime, though, the tension in the stadium grew.
Acerbi had scored the goal in front of a section of hardcore Roma fans.
And there was no love lost between the former Biancocelesti defender, and fans of their bitter rivals the Giallorossi.
Italian FA Investigating Francesco Acerbi Gesture At Roma Fans
Offensive chants aimed at Acerbi started up from some Roma fans whilst the VAR check on the defender’s goal was ongoing.
The chants urged the 35-year-old to “die.”
And the reaction from Acerbi was clear. The Inter defender raised his middle finger in the direction of the Roma fans who were singing the chant.
But the question concerns what sort of punishment could be meted out towards the Italian international.
Investigators with the FIGC (Italian FA) are looking into the entire context surrounding the incident in order to get a better understanding of what had happened.
But a suspension would be a possibility for the Inter defender. It will depends on the findings of the FIGC investigators.
Meanwhile, Acerbi also suffered an injury during yesterday’s match. The 35-year-old could potentially be out on the sidelines whilst he recovers.
