AC Milan banner has apparent reference to disbanded ultras group FDL

AC Milan fans held up a spectacular banner across one stand prior to kick-off in their Serie A encounter against Juventus on Sunday evening, which seemingly made reference to an  ultras group.

The banner shows a picture of a devil flanked by two shirtless men covered in tattoos and the writing 'I have never left you', as well as the years '1968' and '2018'.

The man on the left appears to have a skull tattooed onto his chest - an image of the Milan ultras group the Brigate Rossonere that, in turn, strongly resembles the one used by the Totenkopf, a division of the Nazi SS group.

There is also a reference to another Milan the FDL - Fossai dei Leoni - who were the first ultra group to from in Italy.

They were set up in 1968 but were reported to have disbanded in 2005 after banners were stolen and members were alleged to have worked alongside Italian police.

The most recent banner, listing the year they formed and the present day, could be interpreted as a statement of defiance regarding their existence.

Other notable tattoos on show as symbols show the word 'Dannati', which is Italian for 'damnation' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

But unfortunately for the ardent Milan supporters, the gesture failed to inspire their team to victory against Serie A's leaders.

Mario Mandzukic put Juventus into the lead after only eight minutes with a header and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the victory with a goal in the 81st minute.

Gonzalo Higuain missed a penalty for Milan with the score at 1-0 and was later sent off for a second bookable offence after Ronaldo scored.

Milan are fifth in Serie A with 21 points from their first 12 matches.