Cesc Fabregas, the coach of Como, has expressed his apologies for colliding with an AC Milan player during Wednesday’s 1-1 league draw at the San Siro.
In the 78th minute, Milan right-back Alexis Saelemaekers lost control of the ball near the sideline right in front of Fabregas.
As Saelemaekers attempted to defend against Como’s counter-attack, he inadvertently collided with Fabregas, who raised his arm and made contact with the Milan player. Saelemaekers reacted angrily, gesturing towards Fabregas before moving back to his position.
This led to a heated exchange between the coaches on the sideline, with Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri receiving a red card.
After the match, Fabregas, 38, reiterated his apology. “I apologize once again,” he said.
“I’ve publicly apologized already. It’s not something I’m proud of; it was an unsportsmanlike act. Although it was just a light touch, it was inappropriate for a coach to do that,” Fabregas stated.
“I understand why he [Saelemaekers] was upset. I’ve also apologized to coach [Allegri] and Milan players Luka [Modric], [Mike] Maignan, and Saelemaekers. I will learn from this and hope to avoid such incidents in the future.”
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In the immediate aftermath, Allegri, 58, voiced criticism of Fabregas. “Next time, if someone is on the line, I’ll just go onto the pitch and tackle them,” the Milan coach told Dazn.
He added in his post-match press conference, “When you’re on the pitch, you should be respectful towards your opponents and referees. He is a young coach who is just starting out. He is doing well, and I wish him a successful career, but experience is key to growth.”
The draw left Milan in second place in the standings, seven points behind Serie A leaders Inter.