The Italian clash between Naples and Inter was marked by a terrible episode. Napoli's Brazilian defender, Juan Jesus, had a heated discussion with the referee of the match, Federico La Penna, pointing out the behavior of Inter's Italian defender, Francesco Acerbi: “It doesn't suit me, he said to me, 'You're a nigger' and that doesn't suit me. Here there is a strong symbol (showing the Racism Out patch, editor’s note)”, the Brazilian defender then declared to the Italian referee. According to article 28 of the sports justice code which regulates discriminatory behavior,“the player who commits an offense is punished by a suspension of at least ten matches or, in the most serious cases, by a suspension for a longer fixed period and by a fine set from 10,000 euros to 20 000 euros».
It is first necessary to check whether the match director reported the episode in the referee's report or whether federal inspectors did the same. If this were not the case, without the images that could serve as proof on television, it will be difficult to prove Juan Jesus' accusations. Unless Francesco Acerbi honestly confirms this episode. In the meantime, the sports judge's decisions are expected by Tuesday and could therefore require further investigation. Note that at the end of the match, Juan Jesus confirmed that Francesco Acerbi, realizing the seriousness of his words, had come to apologize at the final whistle and the Brazilian called for calm to avoid fueling polemic. Sanctions will nevertheless have to be taken if this whole story were to be confirmed.
