Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri Backs Mark Van Bommel Despite Sending-Off Against Catania

Jan 30, 2011 9:53:00 AM

Massimiliano Allegri defends Mark van Bommel despite the Milan debutant's red card against Catania yesterday...

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has backed midfielder Mark van Bommel despite his sending-off in their 2-0 victory over Catania in Serie A on Saturday.

Both of the Rossoneri's goals came after Van Bommel received his marching orders for two yellow cards early in the second half, but Allegri has refused to criticised the Dutch midfielder.

"It's fair enough," said Allegri after the match, according to Soccerway.com. "The referees make decisions based on what they see and this is an example. Van Bommel should've been a bit sneakier, but it is his second game in Italian football.

"These fouls are not generally sanctioned with a booking in Germany, but he is a generally aggressive player."

Allegri was also full of praise for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for assisting the first goal and then scoring the second.

"He is having the best season of his career in terms of intensity," said the Italian tactician. "Ibra has a great deal of enthusiasm, feels like a leader and also knows how to defend, which is the most important thing. If he tracks back, then everyone else follows suit."

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