Amad Diallo has publicly addressed a confrontation with fans during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Asia, following an incident in which the Ivorian winger was filmed making an obscene gesture.
The episode occurred as United players and staff were making their way to the team bus following a 1–0 defeat to the ASEAN All Stars, a match that has only compounded a challenging trip for the Premier League side.
Amid a tense atmosphere, a group of supporters reportedly shouted insults at players, singling out Diallo with chants that he interpreted as deeply personal.
According to Manchester United, the comments directed at the 21-year-old winger were not racially motivated.
However, sources suggest that the abuse referenced his mother, prompting Diallo to raise his middle finger in response.
A video of the incident quickly circulated online, sparking a wave of reactions.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Diallo offered a brief explanation and stood by his decision to defend his family, even if the method was controversial.
“I respect people, but not when they insult my mother. I shouldn’t have reacted like that, but I don’t regret what I did,” he wrote.
The comment has stirred a debate about the emotional pressures faced by footballers on tour and the line between provocation and professionalism.
While some supporters expressed disappointment over Diallo’s reaction, others came to his defence, noting the personal nature of the alleged insults.
Amad diallo saying that they were insulting his mother?? No signs of anything here pic.twitter.com/K4jFd8XklD
— 🎟️ (@benafcc) May 29, 2025
Diallo, who joined Manchester United in 2021 from Atalanta, has been the subject of scrutiny and media attention in the past.
During his time in Italy, he was fined by the Italian Football Federation amid claims of irregularities relating to his arrival in the country.
The incident led to him dropping his second surname, Traoré, opting to be known simply as Amad on his shirt.
Despite these challenges, Diallo has remained a highly regarded talent within United’s ranks, with fans hoping to see more of him in the coming season after limited appearances last term.
Manchester United are set to wrap up their Asian tour with a match in Hong Kong this Friday.
The club has yet to issue an official statement on the incident involving Diallo, but internal discussions are reportedly ongoing.
