Theo Hernández's Dismissal: A Game Changer in Milan's European Hopes
In a nail-biting Champions League knockout match, AC Milan faced a harsh exit at the hands of Feyenoord, with the focal point being Theo Hernández's contentious dismissal. The French left-back was shown a second yellow card for simulation during a crucial moment in the second half, leaving Milan down to ten men. This pivotal decision by referee Szymon Marciniak had massive repercussions, as it altered the dynamics of the game completely.
The drama unfolded in the 51st minute when Hernández went down in the box while trying to maneuver the ball, only to be penalized for diving. Already booked for a previous shirt pull, the second yellow led to his early shower, sparking both outrage and debate. His sending-off seemed to give a much-needed boost to Feyenoord, who later scored an equalizer through Julian Carranza, bringing the aggregate score to 2-1 and securing their advancement.
Manager's Support Amid Concerns Over Hernández's Future
Sergio Conceição, AC Milan's manager, was quick to defend his player during post-match conferences, labeling the decision as harsh and taking the blame on his shoulders. However, the red card highlighted recurrent issues surrounding Hernández's form and discipline. Critics point to not just this incident but a history of red cards this season as proof of a more significant problem.
This latest chapter raises unavoidable questions regarding Hernández's future at AC Milan. Talks surrounding his contract renewal have reportedly hit a rough patch. The team's limited options in his position only add pressure to resolve these issues sooner rather than later. His dismissal also ties into a pattern of setbacks for the club, who have now been eliminated twice in Champions League knockouts by Dutch teams, with a haunting reminder of their 1994-95 final loss to Ajax.
While Hernández’s talent is undeniable, these persistent issues give weight to growing concerns about his role and future development at the club, making his situation a focal point heading into future matches and negotiations.
