In a dramatic turn of events, Olivier Giroud, the experienced forward for AC Milan, was shown a red card for a fiery confrontation with the referee in the aftermath of a 2-2 draw against Lecce. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker had initially played a pivotal role by scoring his ninth goal of the season in the 28th minute, giving Milan the lead. Tijjani Reijnders extended the advantage before halftime, seemingly securing a comfortable victory for the seven-time European champions.

However, Lecce mounted a comeback in the second half, leveling the score during a four-minute spell. The frustration among AC Milan players, including Giroud, escalated as the match concluded without a decisive outcome. In stoppage time, Giroud vehemently appealed for a handball, but the referee ignored the plea. This resulted in Giroud storming toward referee Rosario Abisso, shouting in protest.

Despite being booked for his outburst, Giroud continued to express his discontent. The situation escalated further when, after being shown the yellow card, Giroud attempted to argue with the referee. Ultimately, Abisso brandished a red card, sending Giroud off the pitch. The dismissal occurred just before Lecce scored from a free-kick, but VAR intervened, disallowing the goal due to a foul in the build-up.

The drawn match leaves AC Milan trailing Serie A leaders Juventus by six points and sitting five points behind local rivals Inter Milan. Giroud’s nine goals this season contribute to his overall tally of 40 goals in 100 appearances for Milan.

Here is the highlight video of Lecce vs. AC Milan, which ended with a 2-2 Draw.

Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud

Forwarder

France

Age: 38

192 cm

93 kg

Season 2024
Played 1 0 Missed
Minutes 46 46.0 Avg
Goals 0 0.0 Avg
Assist 0 0.0 Avg
Attempt 0 0.0 Avg
Passes 15 15.087.0% AvgSucc
Yellow 0 0.0 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 11 times for 766 minutes for Serie A.

Olivier Giroud scored 7 goals for Milan. He procured 3 assists. He received 1 yellow card and 1 red card.

His team is currently 3rd in Serie A. In the last match Milan drew 2-2 against Lecce.

Milan performance and stats

Milan

Manager: Stefano Pioli
Rank 2nd
Win 22
Draw 8
Loss 7
Goals 73-46
Diff 27
Rank 3rd
Win 2
Draw 2
Loss 2
Goals 5-8
Diff -3

Milan is currently 3rd in the Serie A with 23 points.

In the last 12 games, it has won 7 times, drawn twice, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Milan drawn 2-2 against Lecce.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 20 goals and conceding 14.​

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