Rossoneri must play Udinese behind closed doors.
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is furious with the decision to close the San Siro as more punishment for territorial chants during the clash with Juventus on Sunday.
The Rossoneri previously had the Curva Sud closed after chants were heard during the clash with Napoli last month, and will now be forced to play behind closed doors after the international break.
Under new disciplinary guidelines from the authorities, they can now close sections, or even an entire stadium for both racial taunts and territorial discrimination.
However, while Galliani accepts that racism must be tackled with such punishments, he claims that all of Serie A’s presidents agree that the territorial aspect should be abolished.
“I understand that racism is a big problem, a worldwide one,” Galliani said as reported by Football Italia. “However, territorial discrimination is something different.
“The rule on that needs to be abolished. All of the Presidents are in agreement with that and I’ve already called Italian Fooball Federation chief Giancarlo Abete to tell him that.”
While Milan will now appeal the decision, Galliani also claims that neither television broadcasters nor the newspapers heard the alleged chants, but believes that if it happens again then the game will be awarded in favour of the opposition and a potential points penalty may follow.
“If 50 people get together then they can kill a club with racial or territorial discrimination chants.
“I don’t understand why this rule is only in Italy. And it makes no sense to close a stadium when they are already empty, fantastic…” he concluded.
It remains to be seen whether or not the appeal is successful, but the Rossoneri clearly feel hard done by due to the actions of a minority.
Meanwhile, defender Philippe Mexes will serve a four-game suspension after punching Giorgio Chiellini, with Milan refusing to appeal and will ensure the Frenchman is absent.
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