Marcus Thuram expects a ‘clear explanation’ from Inter teammate Francesco Acerbi in his racism row with Napoli’s Juan Jesus, highlighting how such acts are ‘unacceptable’.

In the closing stages of the Nerazzurri’s 1-1 draw with the Partenopei on March 17th, Juan Jesus was seen talking to referee Federico La Penna, reporting that Acerbi ‘had called me a n****r’ whilst pointing to the Kick Racism Out badge on his shirt.

Acerbi has continued to maintain his innocence in the row and withdrew from the Italy training camp at Coverciano. He’ll be interviewed by the FIGC Prosecutor’s Office in the coming days, as will Juan Jesus, and the Inter man is at risk of being handed a 10-match ban should he be found guilty.

Speaking at a press conference from the France training camp, Thuram first discussed the competition for a starting spot in Les Bleus squad.

“I try to be there every time there are call-ups. Then we have very, very good players up front. The coach is spoiled for choice. This is my second season as a number nine. In the first game I played alone in attack, now I’m learning to play with Lautaro as a pair.”

He spoke about the idea of playing in the Olympics in the summer.

“It’s a great source of pride for any French player to play at the Olympics. Then there’s a coach like Thierry Henry and he’ll make his list. If I’m called into question, I’ll answer, but I’ll not publicly apply to do so.”

The French striker was asked about the ongoing racism row involving his Inter teammate Acerbi.

“When there is such a serious measure, the player must stay with the club to defend himself and clearly explain what happened. It’s not the right time to go to the national team.

“I agree with Maignan, we must leave the pitch in these cases. We must bang our fists on the table to make it clear that this is unacceptable.”

Thuram commented on the incident involving Stefan Savic in the recent Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid.

“It’s a gesture that shouldn’t have been done but no, I wasn’t afraid of VAR.”

He spoke about that fateful night in Europe.

“The French national team always arrives at the right time. It was a complicated evening because it’s not nice to be eliminated in the Champions League. Now we want to win the Scudetto.”

Finally, Thuram spoke about how he feels wearing the name on his back.

“I hope I haven’t reached my best yet because I’m only 26 years old. In the last two years I’ve made a lot of progress as a number 9.

“And if they don’t ask me about my father anymore, it’s because we’ve known for 26 years that he’s my father and you’ve already had to ask me all the questions about him!”

2 thought on “Thuram says Acerbi ‘must clearly explain what happened’ in racism row”
  1. Thuram action against athletico player in the second led is very irritating,
    If VAR have checked he would have been sent off.
    He should try to be serious during games.

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