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AC Milan drew 1-1 at home with Como, leaving them seven points behind rivals Inter in the race for the Italian Serie A title, but the result was even more infuriating for the Rossoneri and their supporters after a controversial incident involving Milan’s counterattack and opposition manager Cesc Fabregas.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder came together on the touchline while the ball was in play, resulting in play being stopped and Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri being sent off.
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The details of the incident were not completely clear at the time, and continued until the post-match interview, when suspicions and accusations mounted.
What happened between Fabregas and Alexis Saelemaekers?
With the match tied at 1-1 and 10 minutes remaining, Milan attempted a counterattack from the left side in front of the Como technical area.
Rossoneri winger Alexis Saeremakers was surrounded by Como’s defenders, but he cut into the infield and tried to shake them off.
But instead of continuing his run, the Belgian international stopped short and immediately reprimanded Como manager Cesc Fabregas.
Replays showed Fabregas on the edge of the field alongside Saelemaekers, with Milan claiming the away team manager pulled the player’s shirt to thwart the attempted attack.
Why was AC Milan coach Allegri sent off for the incident with Fabregas?
Chaos ensued on the touchline as Milan’s bench and Allegri faced off against Como. Allegri was shown a red card by referee Maurizio Mariani for his role in the melee.
Fabregas’ assistant and Como team manager was also shown a red card.
What do Fabregas and Allegri say about this incident?
In his post-match interview, Allegri made no attempt to hide his frustration at the incident.
“I think there was a foul,” Allegri told broadcaster DAZN.
“Saelemakers were starting a counter-attack and someone pulled them off the bench. I think it was Fabregas.”
Fabregas later admitted his actions were “unsporting”, but said he only touched the ball with his hand and did not tug on Saelemakers’ shirt.
“First and foremost, I want to apologize. I did something that I’m not proud of and it was unsporting,” Fabregas told DAZN. “We have to keep our hands off ourselves…especially the coaches.
“I’m sorry, but I only briefly touched on it and coach Allegri’s reaction was exaggerated, but I admit that I shouldn’t have done that.
“I would have been angry too, so all I can say is that I apologize and hope that this never happens again in my career.
“I touched the ball with my hand to prevent Milan from restarting play…I acted unsportsmanlike. I apologize,” Fabregas said.
When Fabregas apologized for his involvement in the incident, Allegri replied: “I understand, but next time someone runs through the line, I’m going to go in with a sliding tackle.”
Allegri also defended his actions, saying he left the technical area “to protect the players”.
Do Fabregas and Allegri have a history of bad behavior?
Allegri is known for his calm approach on and off the field. The former midfielder had a reputation for watching games at a faster pace than other players and controlling the flow of play accordingly, and was also noted for his alertness on the touchline.
Fabregas played as an all-action midfielder for Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and Spain and, like Allegri, was extremely talented technically. Fabregas spent most of his career in the fast-paced English Premier League with two London teams and was known for his fierce approach in the center of the park.
Fabregas, who was Como’s manager, witnessed his team get into a huge brawl during a pre-season friendly against Real Betis in Spain last summer, with both coaching staff members involved in a scuffle that saw punches flying on the field.
What happened to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como?
Argentine midfielder Nico Paz put Como ahead in the 32nd minute after a clumsy error by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
France’s number one tried to pass the ball from the edge of the penalty area, but his pass quickly intercepted the ball and fired a shot past Meignan’s legs for his ninth league goal of the season.
Milan scored the equalizer midway through the second half with a fine lob from midfielder Aldon Jashari’s shot from Portuguese winger Rafael Leao.
How do the rest of Serie A’s teams fare after Inter and AC Milan?
The draw with Como extended Milan’s unbeaten run in the league to 24 games, but they still appear to be seven points clear of rivals Inter.
Second-place Milan are four points behind defending champions, third-place Napoli.
Como have moved up to 6th place on goal difference with Atalanta in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Fifth-placed Juventus, previously coached by Allegri, are four points behind Fabregas’ Como.
