Inter Milan Defender Will Only Face Long-Term Suspension For Alleged Racism Incident On One Condition

Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi will only face a long-term suspension for an alleged racism incident on one condition.

Today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInter1908, report that only “incontrovertible” evidence that the 36-year-old racially abused Napoli’s Juan Jesus will result in a ban.

Inter defender Acerbi is facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension if he is found guilty of racially derogatory language during Sunday’s Serie A match against Napoli.

The Italian FA prosecutors’ office is currently investigating an incident from the second half of that match.

Napoli defender Juan Jesus alleges that Acerbi directed a racial slur at him.

And now, the investigation into the matter is underway. Italian FA prosecutor Giuseppe Chine is leading the investigation.

Reportedly, Chine will speak to both Acerbi and Jesus tomorrow.

And additionally, the prosecutor will review all available video footage. He could also interview others who were on the pitch at the time of the incident, including players and referees.

Francesco Acerbi Will Only Face Suspension If Evidence Of Racism Is “Incontrovertible”

Should Chine determine that Acerbi did indeed racially abuse Jesus, then the Inter defender will face a suspension.

The ban would be for no less than ten matches.

And considering that there are nine matches to go this season, that would mean that Acerbi is out for the rest of the campaign.

As such, the question of whether Chine determines Acerbi to be guilty of using racially discriminatory language or not will certainly be a big one.

And La Repubblica report that the prosecutor would only reach that conclusion in the event that the evidence that Acerbi used discriminatory speech is “incontrovertible.”

Therefore, Chine will not just speak to the two players at the heart of the incident.

The prosecutor will also look to build as complete an account of the incident as possible.

If Chine can not determine that it is “incontrovertible” that Acerbi racially abused Napoli defender Jesus, then the Nerazzurri player will not face a suspension.