Napoli defender Juan Jesus has revealed that statements of Inter defender Francesco Acerbi contradict what truly happened in the Serie A game yesterday.
Jesus had told the referee yesterday that Acerbi had racially abused him. Acerbi has denied that he racially abused the Brazilian and his agent Federico Pastorello has also stated the same. Italy national team have also backed the defender in the stance.
Acerbi’s statements have been followed up by Jesus taking to Instagram to speak about the incident and he confirmed that the Italian had indeed called him a ‘black person’ and his version of events is the opposite to what truly happened.
He said: “For me the matter was closed yesterday on the pitch with Acerbi’s apologies and I honestly would have preferred not to go back to something as ignoble as what I had to do immediately.
“Today, however, I read Acerbi’s statements which are totally at odds with the reality of the facts, with what he himself said yesterday on the pitch and with the evidence also shown by films and unequivocal lipreading in which he asks me for forgiveness.”
The Brazilian further said: “Acerbi told me “go away black, you’re just a black”. Following my protest to the referee he admitted he had made a mistake and apologized to me, then also adding: “for me, black guy, it’s an insult like any other”.
Today he changed his story and claims that there was no racist insult. I have nothing to add.”
Jesus ends the post with a ‘notoracism’ hashtag and the post is rather damning for Acerbi, who could face a lengthy ban, if it is proved that he racially abused his counterpart.
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
