Serie A announced on Tuesday that Olivier Giroud has been suspended for two games for yelling obscenities at referees following AC Milan’s thrilling and contentious 2-2 draw with Lecce.
After receiving a first caution for disobedience, France striker Giroud was sent off in stoppage time at the Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday afternoon for directing “abusive expressions” towards referee Rosario Abisso.
Following the international break, Giroud, who has scored eight goals this season, was given a straight red card and will not be allowed to play at home against Fiorentina or Frosinone.
After Roberto Piccoli scored what appeared to be an unbelievable long-range goal shortly after Giroud was sent off, depriving Lecce of a dramatic comeback from a two-goal deficit, Abisso found himself embroiled in controversy.
The players and coaching staff of Lecce were infuriated by such decision, which also infuriated Saverio Sticchi Damiani, the club president.
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Due to his “intimidatory behaviour towards match officials” and threats made against them in the dressing rooms following the match, Saverio Sticchi Damiani has been suspended until December 4.
Subsequently, he hinted at a plot by accusing Abisso and the VAR officials of “splitting hairs” in order to exclude the goal.
In addition, CEO Sandro Mencucci was placed on leave until November 27th, while the club’s sporting director Stefano Trinchera received a fine of 10,000 euros ($10,900) and a three-match match ban for similar violations worsened by “blasphemy”.
