AC Milan fans turned on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during a Coppa Italia game against Verona on Wednesday night.
Prior to the game, which Milan won 3-0 and in which the 18-year-old played well, fans unfurled a banner saying: "Moral violence, 6 million per year and the signing of a parasite brother? Now get out, our patience is finished."
It followed rumours that Donnarumma's agent Mino Raiola asked to have the young player's contract annulled. Donnarumma just signed a new deal with the club during the summer.
Duro striscione della Curva Sud contro #Donnarumma:
"Violenza morale, 6 milioni all'anno e l'ingaggio di un fratello parassita?
Ora vattene la pazienza è finita"
#MilanVerona (foto @gumas75) pic.twitter.com/6jr4kOj6x9— Simone Gambino (@SimoneGambino) December 13, 2017
Donnarumma was reduced to tears and had to be consoled by teammate Leonardo Bonucci before kick-off and in the dressing room after the game.
Bonucci with words of encouragement for #Donnarumma following the #Curva's hostile welcome of the goalkeeper.#MilanVerona #CoppaItalia #Raiolapic.twitter.com/OHUZptQFBi
— SerieAchannel (@SerieAchannel) December 13, 2017
Milan manager Gennaro Gatusso said after the game that he will do his best to protect Donnarumma.
"He’s an 18-year-old kid, of course he was shaken. I can only thank him for what he’s doing. For his age, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world right now. You can tell from his face he’s not happy, but I have known a great athlete and great kid. He will have my protection, for all the protection I can give."
Club director Massimiliano Mirabelli was in no doubt as to who is to blame for the situation: Mino Raiola.
If a player did want to leave, he would have to tell us first, then obviously a club would need to meet our demands. We will not be grabbed by the throat by anyone.
Gigio is an exceptional lad, I spoke to him a few minutes ago and he never said he wanted to leave. Perhaps there is a gentleman who wants to organise something, but we will look out for Milan’s interests in every arena.
We understand the fans are upset, but they ought to jeer the opposition and not our own players. It’s not all Gigio’s fault and we must support him, because he is part of the club’s heritage.
We must protect him, as we know where the rot is coming from. We hope to resolve this situation soon.
The young Italian 'keeper has since responded to the treatment via his Instagram account.
Translated, Donnarumma reiterated his commitment to the Milan club:
It was a bad evening and I did not expect it! I never said in writing that I had suffered moral violence when I signed the contract. Despite everything I look forward and ahead to the next game ... Forza Milan!
