Ibrahimovic: Milan demand referees’ respect, Walker could have ‘been out for a year’ | OneFootball

Zlatan Ibrahimovic voiced his frustration over refereeing decisions during Milan’s latest Serie A outing at Empoli, as he claimed the club demands ‘respect’ for its players after some controversial calls put both the match outcome and Kyle Walker’s health at risk.

The Rossoneri emerged 2-0 winners at the Stadio Castellani, but the Red Bird advisor noted that Empoli’s Liberato Cacace would’ve deserved a red card for a rough tackle on the England international in the first half.

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 8: Luca Marianucci of Empoli FC reacts and Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Empoli and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 8, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Instead, both referee Luca Pairetto and the VAR chose not to issue a dismissal, with Sergio Conceição’s side being reduced to 10 men after the break when Fikayo Tomori challenged Lorenzo Colombo, although the striker was suspected of being in an offside position.

Such calls sparked Milan’s fury, as Ibrahimovic defined them as ‘unacceptable’, claiming they would be sending a letter to the Italian Referees’ Association (AIA) to address the matter.

Ibrahimovic: Referee’s decisions in Empoli vs Milan ‘unacceptable’

“When we play, I always ask the players to be focused,” Ibrahimovic told reporters, speaking at Joao Felix’s unveiling press conference, as quoted by TMW.

“I told Piaretto: ‘I only ask for respect for Milan and for our players.’ I was a bit surprised that our players didn’t react more strongly to the foul on Walker, but if it had gone worse there, Walker could have been out for a year.

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 8: Roberto D’Aversa head coach of Empoli FC reacts against Head coach Marceneiro da Conceicao Known as Conceicao of AC Milan during the Serie A match between Empoli and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 8, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Tomori? It’s the consequence of letting the game continue. For us, it’s unacceptable, we will send a letter to the AIA, this is not an acceptable situation.

“We found ourselves one man down, while they should have been down to 10 for the foul on Walker. Then he comes from the Premier League and doesn’t make a scene. I ask for respect for Milan and for its players.”