Mike Maignan reportedly complained about some chants from Hellas Verona fans, who also targeted Rafael Leao too.
Milan ended up emerging with three points from the Stadio MarcAntonio Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon, but it was far from their best performance of the season against a team that are now almost certain to be relegated to Serie B.
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The only goal of the game came a few minutes before the break, with Rafael Leao providing for Adrien Rabiot’s run through on goal. The Rossoneri rode their luck at times but saw out the win to move eight points clear of fifth place.
Verona fans accused again
As MilanNews recall, shortly before the start of the second half of the match, Mike Maignan called referee Daniele Chiffi’s attention due to discriminatory chants coming from the home fans.
The goalkeeper’s gesture wasn’t well received by the Verona fans, who began to boo him every time he received the ball. The same source then recall something that happened involving Leao.
Shortly after the hour mark, Massimiliano Allegri decided to replace the forward, who had provided the assist for Rabiot’s opening goal. As he left the pitch, the Verona fans chanted: “Leao, you are a son of a b*tch.”
Corriere dello Sport have added that the stadium announcer was called to broadcast a public message warning Verona fans of the risk of suspension for ‘discriminatory chants’.
The first half ended with a barrage of boos directed at Leao. At the start of the second half, upon taking his place between the posts under the home fans’ stands, Maignan received the standard welcome reserved for all visiting goalkeepers, but ‘evidently some went too far’.
The French goalkeeper called the attention of referee Chiffi to report the ‘racist chants’ from the stands. This triggered the procedure, which led to the announcer’s announcement, which was met with disapproval by the Verona crowd.
