November 15, (THEWILL) – France striker, Olivier Giroud, has been banned for two games after aiming “abusive expressions” at the referee, following his dismissal in AC Milan’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Lecce, Serie A announced on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old, who has scored eight league goals this season, was initially booked for dissent before being shown a straight red card in stoppage time. He will now miss Milan’s upcoming home matches against Fiorentina and Frosinone.
The game was shrouded in controversy after Lecce had a late winner disallowed when Roberto Piccoli was judged to have fouled Milan’s Malick Thiaw before scoring. Lecce officials furiously accused the referee and VAR of conspiring against them.
Club president, Saverio Sticchi Damiani, has received a ban until December 4, for intimidating match officials. Sporting director, Stefano Trinchera, was banned for three games and fined €10,000 for similar offences.
The dramatic draw leaves Milan eight points behind league leaders and city rivals, Inter Milan, ahead of the international break. Milan manager, Stefano Pioli, will be hoping to regroup and revive his side’s title challenge when Serie A resumes.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
