dBrazilian professional footballer Juan Jesús reacted angrily to the acquittal of Italian international Francesco Acerbi over accusations of racism. “It is a decision that I respect but that I find difficult to understand and that leaves me very bitter,” wrote the Italian champion. SSC Naples in a statement released by the club on Wednesday.
“I am truly disheartened by the outcome of this serious matter,” Juan Jesús said. He had accused Acerbi of racially abusing him before the Serie A sports tribunal ruled there was insufficient evidence against the Inter Milan defender to convict him.
An “unfortunate precedent” is feared
It was a mistake, Juan Jesús said, “that I handled the situation like a 'gentleman' by avoiding interrupting an important match for the sake of the spectators.” He did this in the hope “that my behavior would be respected and perhaps taken as an example.”
According to Juan Jesús, he fears that the decision now creates an “unfortunate precedent” to justify certain behaviors. His club also reacted “stunned” to the verdict the day before. It cannot be assumed that Jesus misunderstood the statements, the SSC said in a statement.
As a measure of protest, the Neapolitans announced that in the future they would no longer participate in “purely cosmetic initiatives.” racism and discrimination, coordinated by the Italian association. For example, the Club does not want to participate in the “Keep racism out” campaign, which is planned for matchday 30 of Serie A.