The agent of Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has denied the use of racist language by the player against Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
Acerbi’s agent Federico Pastorello addressed the alleged racism incident during yesterday’s match between Inter and Napoli speaking to Italian broadcaster Radio Sportiva, via FCInter1908.
During yesterday’s Serie A match between Inter and Napoli, Francesco Acerbi was allegedly involved in a racist incident.
The incident occurred just before the hour mark.
Napoli defender Juan Jesus went over to referee Federico La Penna to say that Acerbi had racially abused him.
Specifically, Jesus – who is a person of color – told La Penna that the Inter defender had used a racist slur which translates to the “n-word” in English while speaking to him, according to reports lip-reading the conversation.
However, the agent of Acerbi has denied that this was the case.
Agent Of Francesco Acerbi Denies Use Of N-Word Towards Juan Jesus
Acerbi’s agent responded to the allegations against the 36-year-old Italian international.
“I think that Juan Jesus spoke after the match to say that it wasn’t a racist insult,” Pastorello said.
“Because it was reported badly.”
The agent continued that “I believe what Francesco told me. Because he’s a guy with upstanding morals.”
“The two players cleared things up between themselves,” Pastorello said of Acerbi and Jesus.
“Even though these matters have to be dealt with and punished these days, if they fall within certain conditions.”
Pastorello made clear, “I must repeat. Based on what Acerbi told me, there was an argument, but he didn’t use any racist slurs or expressions.”
“It was an argument within the match, and maybe the wrong word slipped out instead of another,” the agent said.
“But I have to be clear: the n-word was never used,” Pastorello said.
An investigation by both Inter and the Italian football authorities will be forthcoming into yesterday’s incident.
