Ugly scenes marred Milan’s 1-0 win over Lazio, as Francesco Acerbi accused Rossoneri players of “fomenting hatred” and Gennaro Gattuso apologised.
The tense encounter erupted into a brawl at the final whistle, with Luiz Felipe and Fabio Borini seemingly at the centre of it.
After that, there was yet more controversy, as Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie posed with Lazio defender Acerbi’s jersey in front of the Milan fans.
Ugly scenes marred Milan’s 1-0 win over Lazio, as Francesco Acerbi accused Rossoneri players of “fomenting hatred” and Gennaro Gattuso apologised.
The tense encounter erupted into a brawl at the final whistle, with Luiz Felipe and Fabio Borini seemingly at the centre of it.
After that, there was yet more controversy, as Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie posed with Lazio defender Acerbi’s jersey in front of the Milan fans.
They were showing it off like a trophy after a row on social media, after Acerbi said Lazio “have a better team, man for man, than Milan and there is simply no comparison.”
After the pictures of the jersey incident went viral, Acerbi returned to social media in order to address it.
“I am disappointed because I swapped shirts to put an end to the matter. Stirring up hatred is not sport, but a sign of weakness.”
Ciro Immobile also referred to the Milan players as "small men," so Bakayoko replied on his social media.
"It was in jest. I didn't want to disrespect anyone. I apologise to Acerbi if he felt offended."
When Milan Coach Gattuso was informed of it during the Press conference, he apologised to Acerbi.
“We apologise for that. The time has come for big clubs to start limiting the social media accounts of their professionals. They ought to concentrate more on training than twiddling their thumbs on their phones.”
Milan and Lazio will meet again on April 24 in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.
Sono dispiaciuto perché ho scambiato la maglia per mettere fine alla questione, fomentare odio non è sport ma un segno di debolezza.#Acerbi #Ace #CMonEagles pic.twitter.com/hgZwt12py6
— Francesco Acerbi (@Acerbi_Fra) April 13, 2019