Francesco Acerbi has continued to insist that he did not racially abuse Napoli defender Juan Jesus in a meeting with Inter Milan.
This according to Sky Sport Italia journalist Matteo Barzaghi. Barzaghi confirms that Acerbi met with the Nerazzurri earlier today, but reports that there will not be a club statement on the matter forthcoming.
Acerbi met with Inter’s directors today to discuss the furor that has erupted over an alleged racism incident that took place during Sunday’s Serie A match against Napoli.
Partenopei defender Jesus has alleged that the Inter player directed a racial slur at him.
Meanwhile, Acerbi has denied using any racially discriminatory language. The 36-year-old has stated that there must be a “misunderstanding” on Jesus’s part.
There is an investigation ongoing into the incident. The Italian FA prosecutors’ office opened up their investigation today.
Prosecutor Giusppe Chine will speak to both Acerbi and Jesus in the next day, reportedly.
Meanwhile, Chine will also review video footage and conduct other interviews related to the incident.
Acerbi nel confronto di oggi ha ribadito all’Inter che nelle sue parole non c’era alcun intento discriminatorio. Inter non farà alcun comunicato. Il giocatore sarà ascoltato dalla procura federale nei prossimi giorni. @SkySport
— Matteo Barzaghi (@MatteoBarzaghi) March 19, 2024
Francesco Acerbi Insists To Inter That He Didn’t Racially Abuse Juan Jesus
The outcome of the investigation will be hugely significant for Acerbi, and for Inter.
The Nerazzurri defender could face a lengthy ban if he is found to have racially abused Jesus.
The minimum length of such a ban would be ten days. That would mean that Acerbi would miss at least the rest of the season if he is determined to used a racial slur towards Jesus.
Therefore, Inter are urgently looking to clarify the matter.
To this end, Acerbi was at the club headquarters today.
The former Lazio and Sassuolo defender spoke to the Nerazzurri defenders.
And according to Sky journalist Barzaghi, Acerbi’s statements in the meeting with the club echoed what he had said yesterday. The 36-year-old continues to insist that he did not racially abuse Jesus.
Inter now have the player’s version of events.
However, Barzaghi reports, there will not be an official statement from Inter regarding their meeting with Acerbi.
The Nerazzurri will wait for the outcome of the investigation by the Italian FA prosecutors’ office.
That should be not too long of a wait for developments. The meetings with both Acerbi and Jesus should be forthcoming soon.
