Juan Jesus Mull Options After Debatable Acerbi Ruling

Francesco Acerbi has been acquitted of the accusation of racially insulting Juan Jesus. The decision is final because it can’t be appealed within the confines of sports justice. Napoli issued a scorching-hot statement on the matter. Their defender has preferred to remain silent for now, simply switching his profile pic to the black power fist on Instagram.

Per Corriere dello Sport, the Brazilian is weighing continuing the legal battle elsewhere and suing the opponent to protect his image. He didn’t plan to become the spokesperson for the fight against discrimination, but the events forced him to. He might be the captain versus Atalanta. The fans backed him with banners around the city, Il Mattino reports.

Napoli reacted with a harshly worded release.

“Acerbi wasn’t punished, so, at this point, the culprit for the sports ‘justice’ should be Juan Jesus, who wrongly accused a colleague. It’s unreasonable to believe he misunderstood what was said to him. The principle of greater probability of an event, which was manifest considering the facts’ dynamics and apologies on the pitch, hasn’t been taken into consideration and disappears after this sentence. We’re appalled.”

“In addition, the judge recognizes that what happened was compatible with insults and threats, which the Inter player didn’t deny. Why didn’t this lead to a sanction?”

“Napoli will no longer adhere to feigned initiatives promoted by the football institutions against racism and discrimination. We’ll do it on our own and with renewed conviction.”