Marcus Thuram says he expects a clear explanation from Inter teammate Francesco Acerbi over the alleged racist remarks he made to Napoli’s Juan Jesus.
The Italian centre-back was alleged to have called Jesus the ‘n’ word during the 1-1 Serie A draw between the Nerazzurri and the Partenopei. Jesus was seen talking to referee Federico La Penna whilst pointing to the Kick Racism Out badge on his shirt.
Acerbi has been dropped from the Italy squad for the friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador since the incident gained attention but the 36-year-old has continued to maintain his innocence.
“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,” Thuram said in a press conference with the France national team.
“I agree with [Mike] 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.”
Acerbi and Jesus are set to be interviewed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prosecutor’s office in the coming days and the former is at risk of being handed a 10-match ban if he is found guilty of making the alleged racist remarks.
