AC Milan Ends Disappointing Season with Protests and Victory Over Monza
AC Milan concluded their tumultuous season on a positive note, securing a 2-0 victory against Monza. However, the match was marred by significant fan protests directed at the club’s ownership and management structure, highlighting the deep unrest among supporters.
Matteo Gabbia opened the scoring with a header in the second half, followed by João Félix, who successfully converted a free kick, allowing Milan to climb to seventh place in the Serie A standings. Despite the win, the atmosphere was charged as thousands of fans rallied outside the club’s headquarters before the game, expressing their outrage over the team's failure to qualify for European competition and their recent loss to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final.
Fans Take a Stand
Inside the San Siro, the mood was palpable with chants directed at American owner Gerry Cardinale, demanding, "Cardinale, you have to sell. Get out." The protests echoed the frustrations of the fanbase, who began the season with high expectations but saw their team finish 19 points adrift of the champions, Napoli.
From the outset, supporters were vocal about their dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as manager. The club subsequently replaced him with Sérgio Conceição in December while sitting eighth in the league. Although Conceição lead the team to a Supercoppa Italiana title early in his tenure, performance inconsistencies prevented any significant progress—and their Champions League campaign ended in the group stages.
A Call for Change
Key executives such as club Chairman Paolo Scaroni, CEO Giorgio Furlani, and technical director Geoffrey Moncada also faced the brunt of fan anger during the protests. Many supporters passionately rallied for the return of club legend Paolo Maldini, who was dismissed from his role as technical director in 2023, further straining ties between fans and management.
Demonstratively, the Curva Sud fans organized to spell out "Go Home" as a clear message of their discontent. An organized walkout occurred just 15 minutes into the match to signify the sheer disappointment felt within the stands.
The Club's Response
Before the game, CEO Furlani acknowledged the deep-seated feelings of frustration shared among fans and club officials alike. He stressed the need for a reset as they look ahead, stating, "The season ends today and next week we start again." Discussion surrounding the future of Coach Conceição remains hot, as it is widely anticipated that changes will be implemented in hopes of restoring the club to its former glory.
Looking Ahead
In stark contrast, AC Milan's city rivals, Inter Milan, prepare to compete in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, further highlighting the disparity in fortunes this season. Milan supporters are now left to ponder the future direction of their club, hoping for a decisive turnaround in the summer.
The night was marked not only by a victory but also by an urgent call for accountability and strategic restructuring within the club. Decisions made in the coming weeks will be critical as AC Milan strives to mend fractured relationships with its loyal fanbase.
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