Milan: Mike Maignan Is Furious—He Strikes Back on Social Media
Mike Maignan goes on the counterattack on social media following criticism over his ejection in the Europa League match against Bournemouth. The French goalkeeper was sent off in the 27th minute of the first half, which also led to the penalty that put the English side up 2-0.
“My action wasn’t intentional. Like all goalkeepers and in every game, I wanted to create some space for myself in my area,” the French national team goalkeeper wrote on Instagram. “ “Unfortunately, this gave a bad impression, especially to the young fans watching us.”
“The club, the staff, and my teammates know what kind of person and what kind of captain I am. They know my intentions, and giving up is never part of them. As for the rest, we’re used to the interpretations offered by certain people and certain media outlets,” reads the strong message.
The incident in question occurred following a corner kick: Maignan put his hands in Adams’ face, causing him to fall to the ground. Referee Fotias showed a red card and awarded a penalty, which Tavernier converted against the newly substituted Torriani, who had come on for Hutchinson. Bournemouth had already taken the lead in the 8th minute through Kluivert, on a penalty awarded for a handball by De Winter. Down a man, Amorim’s Milan—without the injured Gonçalo Ramos and with only Cissé up front—never managed to create any real danger. Not even the substitutions—with Bartesaghi and Rabiot coming on, followed by Comotto and Diawara—changed the momentum, while Camarda, the only natural striker, remained on the bench. In the closing minutes, Adli sealed the 3-0 victory with a free kick, ending the match with a lopsided score: for the Rossoneri, it marks their second loss in this Europa League campaign.
On social media, fans were divided between those who openly criticized the goalkeeper and those who blamed a referee deemed too strict. Meanwhile, the trip to England is taking a psychological toll on a team that struggles to react collectively in difficult moments, as was already evident in the final half-hour against Atalanta.
