Inter Milan will not fine defender Francesco Acerbi over an obscene gesture made towards Roma fans in this weekend’s Serie A clash.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.
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, referee Marco Guida allowed the goal to stand.
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.
Inter Won’t Fine Francesco Acerbi Over Obscene Gesture Towards 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.
So the incident has raised some controversy. And there will be the question of what punishment if any Acerbi receives.
That will apply both in terms of sanctions from the Italian international’s club, and from the footballing authorities in Italy.
According to Tuttosport, from the former, there will be no punishment.
Inter have decided that, with sensitivity to the context in which Acerbi made the gesture, it is not worthy of a fine.
On the other hand, the 35-year-old could certainly receive a fine from the Italian FA.
Tuttosport note that former Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo was involved in a similar incident, also in the Italian derby. The Italian received a €10,000 fine for a gesture towards Lazio fans.
And that could be a precedent for the kind of punishment that Acerbi receives.
On the other hand, the Inter defender is not likely to receive a suspension, Tuttosport reports. The Italian FA would likely only consider this if he does not cooperate in their investigation into the incident.
