The future of defender Francesco Acerbi at Inter Milan would be very much cast in doubt if he is to be found guilty of racist abuse.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
At the moment, Inter and Acerbi are awaiting the outcome into an investigation into the incident of alleged racist abuse during Sunday’s Serie A match against Napoli.
The prosecutors’ office of the Italian FA is now investigating the incident.
The investigators will speak to Napoli defender Juan Jesus, possibly as early as today.
The Brazilian has insisted vehemently that Acerbi used a racial slur during an argument with him on the pitch.
Meanwhile, the Inter defender continues to deny this. He has claimed that Jesus misheard something he had said.
Francesco Acerbi Future At Inter At Risk Amid Alleged Racism Scandal
The Italian FA prosecutors’ office will also speak with Acerbi to question him about the incident with Jesus. Likely by Friday.
Then the investigators will also review available video footage. They could potentially speak to other players who had been on the pitch at the time of the incident.
The Gazzetta note that even if there is some “reasonable doubt” the sporting authorities could very plausibly determine that Acerbi is guilty of using racially discriminatory language.
And if this is the case, the 36-year-old would receive a lengthy suspension.
The minimum length of a ban would likely be ten matches. That would mean that Acerbi would miss the remainder of the season, with nine matches to go.
And according to the Gazzetta, that could mean that Sunday’s match against Napoli would be Acerbi’s last for Inter.
The Italian international certainly would not be playing for the club again this season if he receives a ban.
And then in the summer, Inter may decide to part ways with Acerbi.
The Nerazzurri are mindful of their reputation. In recent years, the club has taken steps to make their commitment to fighting racism clear.
This has included the “Brothers United Universally” campaign. There was also the strong stand that Inter took when striker Romelu Lukaku received racist abuse from Juventus fans last season.
Retaining a player who had been found guilty of racist abuse in the squad would hardly be consistent with those values.
Therefore, the Gazzetta report, Inter could seek a solution to offload Acerbi in the summer if the sporting authorities do deliver a verdict that he racially abused Juan Jesus.
