AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessié has been fined €33,000 by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following an incident that occurred after Saturday’s Serie A match against Lazio. The same financial penalty was also imposed on his teammate and compatriot Tiémoué Bakayoko, who holds French nationality. The disciplinary action stems from a post-match gesture that the federation deemed inappropriate and unsportsmanlike.
The controversy arose after AC Milan’s narrow 1–0 victory over Lazio, a match that was already surrounded by tension in the buildup. In the days leading up to the fixture, Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi had sparked debate by publicly stating that there was “no comparison” between Lazio and Milan. His comments were widely interpreted as dismissive toward the Rossoneri and added extra edge to an already competitive encounter.
Following the final whistle, Acerbi attempted to ease the situation by exchanging jerseys with Bakayoko, explaining later that the gesture was meant to “put an end to the controversy.” However, what followed quickly overshadowed that intention. Franck Kessié and Tiémoué Bakayoko were seen holding up Acerbi’s Lazio jersey in front of the Milan supporters, brandishing it in a manner similar to a trophy. The scene was captured by television cameras and rapidly circulated on social media, prompting widespread debate in Italy and beyond.
Despite the players’ claims that the gesture was meant humorously and without malicious intent, the FIGC took a firm stance. According to reports from Ouest-France, the governing body viewed the act as mocking and disrespectful, warranting disciplinary action. As a result, both Kessié and Bakayoko were fined €33,000 each, underscoring the federation’s zero-tolerance approach to behavior deemed contrary to the values of sportsmanship.
In the aftermath of the incident, both players issued apologies, insisting that the act was “just a joke, nothing more.” Nevertheless, their explanations failed to convince the disciplinary committee, which emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for opponents, particularly in high-profile matches watched by millions.
The decision has also reignited debate over consistency in disciplinary matters within Italian football. Notably, while Kessié and Bakayoko were swiftly sanctioned for their actions, the Italian Football Federation did not open an investigation into racist chants reportedly directed at Bakayoko by a section of Lazio supporters during the same match. This contrast has drawn criticism from observers who question the priorities and standards applied by the authorities.
The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny placed on players’ conduct both on and off the pitch. While emotions often run high in elite football, especially in matches fueled by pre-game comments and rivalry, governing bodies continue to stress that professionalism must prevail at all times. For AC Milan, the focus now shifts back to football matters, but the episode remains a talking point in the ongoing discussion about respect, discipline, and equality in the game.
