Inter have released an official statement after defender Francesco Acerbi was removed from the Italy squad as a result of his alleged racism to Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
The 36-year-old Italian centre back has found himself at the centre of controversy after allegedly racially abusing Juan Jesus during the closing stages of the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 draw with the Partenopei on Sunday evening.
The Napoli defender was seen talking to referee Federico La Penna and pointing to the Keep Racism Out badge on his shirt and alleging that Acerbi ‘called me a n***o’. Whilst he suggested it was an on-pitch incident to DAZN, Juan Jesus later took to Instagram to discuss ‘what he thinks is right’.
Inter released an official statement today following the decision to take Acerbi out of the Italy squad as a result of the racism row.
“FC Internazionale Milano takes note of the press release published by the FIGC in relation to the facts concerning Francesco Acerbi during last night’s match against Napoli, and of the fact that the FIGC and Acerbi have agreed on the player’s non-participation in the next two friendly matches of the national team scheduled in the United States.
“FC Internazionale Milano reserves the right to consult with its player as soon as possible in order to shed light on the exact dynamics of what happened last night.”
Should action be taken, Acerbi could be handed a 10-match ban as a result of the racist abuse.