Inter Milan GM Beppe Marotta says the club stands by Francesco Acerbi.

Acerbi was cleared last week of racially insulting Napoli defender Juan Jesus.

“We stayed quiet and that was our decision. It was a bitter page for the world of football, no matter how you view or analyse it," said Marotta.

“We asked our player to tell us what happened on the pitch. He told us his truth, we have no doubts he was telling the truth, there is no other evidence of him making racist comments, so with the lawyer we backed him in the investigation.

“I must reiterate that Inter are always in favour of initiatives fighting any form of racism or discrimination. We support Juan Jesus in that, but there is a process that needs to be gone through and the verdict was delivered.

“Acerbi is a great professional who has already experienced some very serious health problems in his life."

Marotta also said: “I have not spoken to Juan Jesus. I spoke to my player, I accept what he told us and have no doubts believing his version. I am not a judge, so all I can do is follow the investigation, which saw no evidence of racist abuse.

“The version given by Juan Jesus was different, we respect that too, but we are not judges and others in that position gave their verdict," added the Inter chief.

“It is a bitter situation, no matter how you look at it. Acerbi, who is a mature player and sensitive person, naturally was affected by the situation. He was attacked from all sides and that inevitably creates tension, but he is also accustomed to facing life with great determination, he had terrible health problems, so is a man who will have the strength to get past this too."