Inter defender Francesco Acerbi insists he is not a racist, saying the incident scared him more than when he had cancer. The veteran centre-back was acquitted of allegedly racially insulting Napoli defender Juan Jesus just before the international break, but the incident has once again raised questions of how racism is tackled in Serie A. Speaking in an interview with Corriere Della Sera, Acerbi once again insisted that he is not a racist, and explained how the incident has impacted him:
After more than ten days in the storm and after being acquitted of racism charges, how do you feel?
“I am sad and disappointed: it’s an issue where we all lost. When I was acquitted, I saw people around me react as if I had come out after ten years in prison, very happy to have come out of such a situation: they were very heavy days.”
Why are you speaking only now?
“Because I had faith in justice and didn’t want to risk fueling a controversy that was already enormous. Now that there’s a verdict, I would like to speak my mind, absolutely having nothing against Juan Jesus, indeed it’s the opposite because I am very sorry for him. But you can’t call someone racist for a misunderstood word in the excitement of the game. And you can’t continue to do so even after I have been acquitted.”
Wasn’t the verdict a relief?
“It was, but in the relief, I am still sad for the whole situation that was created, for how it ended on the field, for how everyone marched on it without knowing anything. Even after the acquittal, I felt a great deal of persecution, as if I had killed someone.”
Racism, however, is a scourge, and football is accused of not doing enough to fight it.
“But this is not a fight against racism, there was no racism on the field, and I am not a racist person: my idol was George Weah and when my tumor was found, I received a surprise call from him that still moves me today.”
If it’s not a fight against racism, then what is it?
“It’s just humiliating a person, massacring and threatening their family, but for what? For something that ended on the field and in which racism has nothing to do. Unfortunately, racism is a serious matter, not an alleged insult.”
The field should not be a ‘free zone’ for insults.
“It shouldn’t be, but you hear a bit of everything, even though there are forty cameras. If the referee had to write down everything he hears with pen and paper, he would have to run with a backpack. But it always ends there, otherwise everything becomes condemnable, even insults to Serbs, Italians, mothers.”
You, who have had cancer and a recurrence, have you ever felt discriminated against?
“Of course, that’s why I believe that if someone makes a mistake, it’s right that they pay, like I paid the fine when I showed the middle finger to Roma fans who were shouting ‘you must die’ at me. Thousands were shouting it at me, who have recovered from cancer twice and who are a testimonial for Airc.”
Was it more complicated to handle this issue than the illness?
“There’s no comparison, that was a walk in the park in comparison, I wasn’t afraid. Instead, the atrocious persecution I’ve seen against me in these days has hurt me. I’ve done so much to shake off the label I had when I was younger and become an example of constancy and professionalism and I risked losing everything in an instant.”
What label did you have?
“A bit rough.”
Were you afraid for the continuation of your career?
“If they give you ten days and you go down as a racist, what do you do? Anything could have happened: I would have been finished not as a footballer, which interests me up to a certain point, but as a man. Everyone had already issued the verdict before it even came out. And for many, I’m still a racist even now: honestly, I’m not okay with that, media witch hunts are not good and above all they don’t help to solve a problem like racism, which certainly exists. And which I don’t intend to diminish even a little: I want that to be clear.”
Many black players complain that white colleagues don’t do enough to fight racism. What do you think?
“Exactly because the resonance in the fight against racism is so great and important, the right objectives must be targeted.”
Are you glad that Monday’s game will be played at San Siro?
“Yes, but above all, I’m glad to play. If and when the second star’s Scudetto arrives, I can be there. With my head held high, I mean.”
If you had returned to the field away, would you have worried about the reaction of fans from other teams?
“Not at all.”
Marcus Thuram, whose father has always been at the forefront against racism, said that it was right that you didn’t go to the National Team while waiting for the verdict. Do you think you will talk to him or other teammates about what happened?
“Why not? Even though they know me well.”
Do you expect to be called up for the European Championship?
“I don’t expect anything. But for now, I prefer not to say anything about the National Team, it’s right that I discuss it with Spalletti first. I’m tired, after today, I’m putting an end to the matter. And I never want to talk about it again.”
