Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi left the Italian national team's training camp on Monday amid an accusation that he racially abused his Napoli counterpart Juan Jesus in Sunday's Serie A match.
Juan Jesús, who is black, was visibly upset in the second half when he approached the referee, who then whistled for Acerbi.
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In close-up television footage, Juan Jesús appeared to tell the referee that Acerbi had used a racist insult. Juan Jesús was also pointing to the sleeve of his jersey, which had a badge that read “Keep Racism Out,” as part of the league's anti-racism campaign.
Acerbi joined the Italian team in Rome before the azzurri He will travel to the United States on Tuesday for friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador, but the 36-year-old has been replaced by Roma defender Gianluca Mancini.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) said in a statement that according to the azzurriIn relation to internal politics, Acerbi spoke with Italian coach Luciano Spalletti and the players to explain his own version of “the alleged racist expression” he supposedly used.
“From the Inter defender's account, while waiting for what happened to be reconstructed with full respect for the autonomy of the sports justice system, it is clear that there was no defamatory, denigrating or racist intention on his part,” stated the FIGC.
“However, it was agreed to leave Acerbi out of the squad for the next two friendly matches in the United States, to guarantee the necessary serenity to the national team and to the player himself, who will return to his club today.”
Acerbi has denied using racist language towards Jesus.
“I didn't say any racist phrases. I've been playing football for 20 years and I know what I'm saying,” Acerbi told Italian journalists upon his return from camp.
“A lot of things happen on the field… but when the referee blows his whistle, you shake his hand and everything goes back to how it was before.
“There should be no racism anywhere in the world. I regret that I had to leave the national team training camp, but that's how it was and that's fine.”
Juan Jesús did not want to confirm what happened later.
“What happens on the field, stays on the field,” the Brazilian told DAZN. “Acerbi apologized, he went a little overboard with his words. He is a good guy.
“Plus, obviously we're adults, we can work it out on the field. He apologized, we moved on and when the referee blows his whistle it's all over there. It's fine.”
Acerbi and Juan Jesús also hugged at the end of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Napoli player scoring a late equalizer against his former team.
“I hope it doesn't happen again because he's a smart guy,” added Juan Jesús, 32.
Acerbi was not sanctioned by the referee.
If the FIGC opens an investigation, Acerbi could eventually face a suspension of at least 10 matches if found guilty.
Much could depend on what is written in the arbitration report, which has been sent to the sports justice of the Italian league.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this article.
