The Curva Sud, the fervent fan group of AC Milan, has announced a significant protest, releasing a harsh statement that criticizes everyone from owner Gerry Cardinale and CEO Giorgio Furlani to the team’s players.
This strong reaction comes as the team prepares for their match against Atalanta at San Siro. Reports had already surfaced about the ultras’ dissatisfaction, fueled by a petition demanding CEO Furlani’s dismissal that garnered thousands of signatures.
The fan group confirmed their protest with an extensive statement from the Curva Sud, explicitly naming individuals they hold responsible for the current disappointing season.
Milan Ultras Deliver Damning Criticism
“Exactly four years ago, we were celebrating one of the most glorious Scudetto victories in Milan’s history. That triumph was achieved through the courage, grit, unity, desire, team spirit, and immense fan support – qualities embodied by a team that wasn’t even the favorite. It was an unforgettable demonstration of the Milan spirit. Now, four years later, what remains?” the statement began.
“That winning squad, needing only a few high-quality international additions to aim for greater heights, has been completely dismantled by a group of utterly incapable and incompetent directors, spearheaded by Giorgio Furlani, who stands amidst the wreckage of HIS sporting failures. It’s evident to everyone, except perhaps those with vested interests in keeping him there – namely, the owners whose sole focus on Milan is financial and revenue-driven, disrespectfully disregarding the club’s history and the aspirations of its supporters.”
The statement further implicates Furlani in a strategy of prioritizing revenue through player sales, a practice observed under both previous owners Elliott Management and the current ownership of Cardinale’s RedBird.
Notably, the ultras specifically mention coach Max Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare as “competent individuals subjected to constant interference” from Furlani, hindering their ability to build a strong team.
“How can we accept a Milan side that doesn’t contend for the Scudetto and is content with battling for second, third, or fourth place? How can you so casually disregard the rich history of Italy’s most prestigious club?” the fans questioned.
A list of individuals is blamed, including those responsible for the commercial strategy and ticketing, with accusations that the club is attempting to attract tourists rather than loyal fans from the Curva Sud, leading to inflated ticket prices.
The statement demanded that Furlani “pack his bags and leave Milan, as he is the primary figure responsible for Milan’s fourth consecutive year of sporting failure.”
The players also face criticism in the closing remarks of the lengthy statement. The ultras pointed out that captain Mike Maignan had instructed the squad to return to the locker room after the defeat to Sassuolo, rather than face the jeers of the fans.
“This does not negate the fact that the root of the problem lies with the ownership, who project an aura of mediocrity and resignation, which is antithetical to the motivation, fire, and enterprise required,” the statement concluded.
English Translation
The Curva Sud, AC Milan’s passionate fan base, has issued a severe condemnation, directing their criticism towards CEO Giorgio Furlani, owner Gerry Cardinale, and the players themselves. The ultras expressed their profound disappointment with the team’s performance this season.
The statement highlighted the stark contrast between the glorious Scudetto victory four years prior, achieved through grit and unity, and the current state of the club. The ultras argue that the squad, which was in a position to achieve more, has been dismantled by incompetent management led by Furlani. They accuse the owners of prioritizing financial gains over the club’s historical ambitions and fan expectations.
Furthermore, the fan group criticized Furlani’s strategy of selling players for revenue and suggested that capable individuals like coach Max Allegri and sporting director Igli Tare are being undermined by his interference.
The statement questioned the club’s acceptance of mediocrity, with the team no longer challenging for the league title. The ultras also expressed discontent with commercial strategies, accusing the club of alienating loyal fans in favor of attracting tourists and increasing ticket prices.
The ultras explicitly called for Furlani’s resignation, holding him responsible for the club’s prolonged period of sporting failure. Even the players were not spared, with the statement referencing an incident where the captain reportedly led the team off the pitch to avoid fan backlash.
Ultimately, the ultras placed the blame squarely on the ownership for fostering an environment of mediocrity that stifles the necessary drive and ambition for success.
