Milan’s post-match reaction was understandable, but unacceptable

Following Milan’s controversial loss to Juventus this past Friday, controversy has dominated the headlines. This match was always going to be heated, with so much on the line for the Rossoneri.

Milan were heavily battered by Juventus who dominated every single area of the game and without the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, some more of the Bianconeri’s 24 shots would have entered the Milan net. With the score tied at 1-1, Juventus took the lead through a 97th minute Dybala penalty which the Rossoneri felt was extremely harsh on them (it was). It seemed as though the decision was more ‘inflicted’ upon Milan than actually deserved.

Nevertheless, Milan’s reaction to this was slightly absurd. Juventus did have the help of the referee and understandably Milan’s players are furious - but we only have to go back to the Sassuolo match to see the referee’s decisions benefit Milan. It does show that the standard of officiating in Serie A is below standards, but that is something that is out of the control of the players on the pitch. Yes - it does need changing, but you have to give yourself the best chance to win in open play, not hope that 50/50 calls constantly fall in your favour.

Gigio Donnarumma cut one of the most frustrated figures and will likely face punishment after being caught kicking out at property and arguing - and although he has the right to feel harshly done by, these situations are out of his control and his side-eye aimed at Juventus and match fixing (“It’s always them, isn’t it?”) will get him into trouble. While circumstances might put games beyond Milan and match-fixing has troubled Serie A behind the scenes for what seems an eternity, you simply can’t say things like that - without them being backed up.

There are various reports of Milan players smashing lockers and chairs within Juventus stadium after their match, with other accounts of vandalism on Juventus signage.

Vincenzo Montella took a bullet for his team and apologised for their actions - and even got physical when Carlos Bacca took it upon himself to confront officials.

While Milan’s reaction is understandable, lashing out at referees and vandalising property isn’t. There’s simply no way it can be justified. Milan lost a match because a official made a bad decision - they are’t seizing the means of production and tearing down the establishment in the name of the proletariat, are they? The truth is, some lowly paid worker at Juventus stadium is going to spend hours and hours cleaning up after the tantrums of millionaires and while Milan have the right to be aggrieved, this isn’t the way it’s done and it might very well put things out of the favour of the Rossoneri in the future.