Source: Daily_Mail
Adriano Galliani calls for calm over Gennaro Gattuso heabutt against Tottenham
AC Milan managing director Adriano Galliani claims the headbutting incident which today saw AC Milan vice-captain Gennaro Gattuso charged with gross unsporting misconduct has been blown out of proportion.[LNB]Gattuso headbutted Tottenham coach Joe Jordan after the two sides' Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.[LNB]UEFA have announced their control and disciplinary body will discuss the case against the 33-year-old Italian next Monday.[LNB] Man of war: Gattuso goes looking for a fight after Tottenham stunned AC Milan[LNB]Gattuso first clashed with Jordan during Spurs' 1-0 win at the San Siro, then confronted the former Scotland international at full-time.[LNB]Former Rangers midfielder Gattuso was booked during the match and also clashed repeatedly with Tottenham striker Peter Crouch.[LNB]The headbutting incident led to widespread condemnation of the former Rangers midfielder and today's official charge from UEFA.[LNB]But Galliani believes there has been too much focus on the incident.[LNB]Galliani told the Italian press today: 'What he did was an unpleasant episode that was not good, but he was heavily provoked.[LNB]'Of course you should not react like that but do not condemn everything.[LNB]'Gattuso has played 104 games in Europe and has been sent off once, in 2003 after a clash with (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, who is now his team-mate.[LNB]'In 25 years, since (Silvio) Berlusconi became president of the company, Milan's conduct has been exemplary.'[LNB]Galliani added: 'We are not thinking of stripping the vice-captaincy from Gattuso.'[LNB]Gattuso's caution in the San Siro match - awarded for a rash challenge on Steven Pienaar after which the Italian repeatedly hit the turf in anger - ensures he will be suspended for the return leg at White Hart Lane on March 9.[LNB] Face-off: Gattuso clashed with Joe Jordan after the final whistle[LNB]That ban is set to be extended when UEFA's control and disciplinary body meet on Monday to discuss the case. UEFA rules stipulate a minimum three-match ban for assault, although the governing body have the power to dole out lengthier suspensions in exceptional cases.[LNB]Galliani added: 'We will produce our defence tomorrow and ask for Gattuso's behaviour over 104 games to be taken into account, then we'll see what to do after the ruling.'[LNB]Gattuso's agent Claudio Pasqualin has stated that Jordan used provocative language towards the midfielder prior to their clash. Spurs have declined to comment on his claims.[LNB]Gattuso apologised for his actions, saying: 'I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that.[LNB]'I was nervous. I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him, but I was wrong to do what I have done.'[LNB] Milan nutter Gattuso charged as Redknapp reveals he tried to sign bad boy last summerJordan accused of 'cowardly' four-letter insult as Gattuso faces lengthy banMartin Samuel: Spineless UEFA will let off Flamini, the real San Siro villainAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Peter Crouch Places: Milan, Scotland, Europe
