Napoli defender Juan Jesus hit back at Francesco Acerbi after the Inter player denied making racist remarks. ‘He admitted to it and apologised, now he changed his version.’

The incident occurred during the 1-1 Serie A draw at San Siro on Sunday, as Juan Jesus was filmed walking over to the referee, pointing towards Acerbi and saying “he called me a n***o.”

Acerbi then joined them, there was a brief discussion, and the game moved on.

At the final whistle, Juan Jesus said that Acerbi had apologised, so the issue was behind them, but today after he was sent home from the Italy squad over the incident, the Inter star insisted he “did not say anything racist.”

This prompted an angry response from the Brazilian on Instagram this evening.

“The matter had been closed for me yesterday on the pitch with Acerbi’s apology and frankly I would’ve preferred not to go back over the ignoble thing I had to deal with.

“However, today I read Acerbi statements that are totally in contrast with what really happened, with what he said yesterday on the pitch and the evidence also shown by footage with unequivocal lip-reading in which he asked for my forgiveness.

“I will not stand for this. Racism must be fought here and now.

“Acerbi told me ‘Go away you n***o, you are just a n***o.’ Following my protest to the referee, he admitted that he made a mistake and apologised, adding: ‘for me n***o is just an insult like any other.’

“Today he changed his version of events and maintains there was no racist insult.

“I have nothing more to add. #notoracism”

Inter have yet to speak with Acerbi to clarify what happened and Italy coach Luciano Spalletti added that the defender insisted he had not used any racist words.

Spalletti, who worked with Juan Jesus at Napoli, also confirmed he tried to contact the Brazilian to get his version of events, but his phone was switched off.

If found guilty of using racist terms, Acerbi could face a 10-match Serie A ban.

 

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A post shared by Juan Jesus (@juan05jesus)

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