AC Milan duo Tiemoue Bakayoko and Franck Kessie have apologised to Francesco Acerbi after celebrating with the defender's shirt following their 1-0 win over Lazio on Saturday.
Bakayoko, who is on loan at the San Siro from Chelsea, had engaged in a social media exchange prior to a match which impacted on the top four race in Serie A.
The Lazio defender had said on the eve of the game: 'We are inconsistent, but we go to San Siro to win. We are stronger, there is no comparison to individuals.'
Bakayoko posted a link to a video containing Acerbi's remarks on Twitter and replied: 'Ok ACERBI see you Saturday' with a smiling face emoji.
So when Milan won the match 1-0, courtesy of Kessie's 79th-minute penalty, Kessie and Bakayoko celebrated by holding up Acerbi's exchanged shirt to the Milan supporters.
And Bakayoko then posted a photograph of the shirt on his Instagram Stories with the message '1-0 my friend'.
This understandably upset Acerbi, who said afterwards: 'I'm sorry because I exchanged the shirt to put an end to the [social media] matter. Fomenting hatred is not sport but a sign of weakness.'
He was supported by Ciro Immobile, the Lazio striker, who commented: 'Two little "men" who show the shirt of a champion both in the field and in life... you are a great Lion don't think about it @ francescoacerbi88.'
