Manchester United winger Amad was filmed making a middle finger gesture towards a group of individuals outside the team’s hotel in Kuala Lumpur during their post-season tour. The footage quickly circulated across social media platforms.
The club has explained that the Ivorian international’s actions were a reaction to “serious personal abuse” aimed at him, specifically involving comments about his mother. Amad later addressed the incident on social media, writing on X, “I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mum.” He added, “I shouldn’t have reacted like that, but I don’t regret what I did.”
According to the club, the abuse occurred as the squad made its way to the team bus. It has been clarified that the remarks were not racially motivated. Reports that fans shouting “Diallo” upset the 22-year-old were dismissed by the club.
Background and match details
Amad, who previously went by the name Amad Traore, was fined £42,000 in 2021 by the Italian FA after a probe revealed that false documents and fabricated parental information had been used during his move to Italy. He later chose to go by just his first name.
The player came on in the second half of United’s 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday. The tour continues with a fixture against a Hong Kong side on Friday.
