Olivier Giroud faces a two-game ban as Serie A confirms disciplinary action for his outburst at officials following AC Milan’s contentious 2-2 draw at Lecce. The French striker, who has netted eight goals this season, received a red card during stoppage time at Stadio Via del Mare for directing “abusive expressions” at referee Rosario Abisso, escalating from an initial dissent booking. Consequently, Giroud’s absence looms over upcoming home matches against Fiorentina and Frosinone following the international break.
Controversy engulfed referee Rosario Abisso, taking the spotlight after Lecce’s denied comeback from a two-goal deficit in a dramatic encounter against AC Milan. Despite Roberto Piccoli’s apparent stunning winner from a distance, the goal was nullified because Piccoli allegedly stood on Malick Thiaw’s foot before receiving the ball.
The decision incited fury among the ecstatic crowd and drew the ire of club president Saverio Sticchi Damiani, Lecce’s players, and the training staff. Damiani was banned until December 4 for “intimidatory behavior towards match officials” and post-match threats in the dressing rooms, with conspiracy undertones as he accused Abisso and VAR officials of meticulous scrutiny to negate the goal.
Sporting director Stefano Trinchera faces a three-match ban and a €10,000 fine for similar offences aggravated by “blasphemy,” while CEO Sandro Mencucci is suspended until November 27. Despite escaping a defeat, AC Milan found little solace as Stefano Pioli’s side now trails local rivals Inter Milan by eight points in the league standings.
