A Gazzetta dello Sport article that blamed Juan Jesus for ‘three errors’ he made in the racist row with Francesco Acerbi caused outrage in Italy on Tuesday.
Juan Jesus accused Acerbi of racism after a Serie A game between Inter and Napoli at the Stadio Meazza on Sunday.
The Brazilian defender said after the game that Acerbi had apologised, but then the Italy international denied making racist remarks, prompting Juan Jesus to release a statement on social media.
Acerbi pulled out of Italy’s national team and is expected to be heard by the FIGC Prosecutor in the coming days.
Italian media are widely debating the issue, but a Gazzetta dello Sport article by Giancarlo Dotto on Tuesday caused outrage in the country.
Dotto wrote that Spalletti was right to send Acerbi home, but also blamed Juan Jesus.
According to the journalist, the Napoli defender made ‘three errors.’
The first time was when he “only reported” Acerbi’s insults to the referee; the second was when he revealed Acerbi’s alleged racist remarks after the final whistle, trying to underplay what had happened on the pitch and the third time was when he released a social media statement, clearly explaining what happened. According to Dotto, Juan Jesus should have done that on Sunday night rather than saying he had forgiven his opponent.
Several journalists and fans have been commenting on Dotto’s article on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting that blaming the victim rather than the alleged guilty party was entirely wrong.