Milan captain Theo Hernandez faces at least two games on the sidelines after receiving a bizarre red card beyond the full-time whistle against Fiorentina. Frustration boiled over after an ill-tempered match as Paulo Fonseca’s side slipped to a dismal 2-1 defeat at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
In all fairness, Hernandez was one of the architects of Rossoneri’s downfall in Tuscany. He committed a silly challenge on Dodo on the edge of the box, leading to referee Luca Pairetto awarding a penalty to Fiorentina after consulting with VAR. Mike Maignan saved the Milan skipper by denying Moise Kean’s attempt from the spot.
The Frenchman’s night could’ve gone from bad to worse in the second half. But despite Fiorentina players’ appeal for another penalty, Pairetto waved play on, even though Hernandez clipped Andrea Colpani from behind inside the box. Milan did grab the equalizer thanks to the 27-year-old.
He set up Christian Pulisic for the goal, but it wasn’t Theo’s night by any stretch of the imagination. Probably annoyed by himself, he lost his temper after the final whistle, throwing a wave of insults at Pairetto. The experienced referee had no choice but to show him a red card.
Insulting or offensive expressions towards match officials often warrant a two-game suspension. It means Milan will be without their talismanic left-back after October’s international break. Theo’s outburst was perhaps understandable but not prudent.
With Davide Calabria and Alessandro Florenzi in the treatment room, Milan face a lack of options on the flanks.
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