Fans sour Maldini send off

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini reacted with fury at the negative treatment he received in his final game at the San Siro by a small section of his club's fans.

Maldini, who criticised fans earlier this year when telling them to get behind the team during their struggles, was stung by some of the banners in the stands.

One in the south stand read: "Thanks captain: on the pitch you have been an infinite champion but you have lacked the respect of those that have made you rich".

Another one read: "For your 25-year glorious career our deepest thanks from those you defined as mercenaries".

That banner was accompanied by a big jersey of Franco Baresi, who Maldini replaced as captain, and with chants of "There's only one captain".

Maldini said of the fans who hung the banners: "I am proud not to be one of them."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was equally disenchanted by what happened.

"It was only a minor section of the crowd," he said. "But they could have avoided that in what was supposed to be a special day for Paolo."

Roma won the game 3-2 to make it a very disappointing send off for Maldini, who plays his final game at Fiorentina next Sunday.

Source: Sporting Life