Amad Diallo Defends Middle Finger Response After Abuse Over Mother

Manchester United’s Amad has issued a statement following a viral video in which he was seen making an obscene gesture toward fans during the club’s post-season tour of Asia.

The 22-year-old winger was recorded raising his middle finger outside Manchester United’s hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The footage quickly spread online, sparking criticism and speculation over what provoked the outburst.

Club officials have since confirmed that Amad was subjected to “serious personal abuse” before his reaction. According to Manchester United, the abuse, while extremely offensive, was not racist but personal, specifically concerning his mother.

Taking to X, Amad responded publicly with an explanation and a firm defence.

“I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mum,” he wrote. “I shouldn’t have reacted like that but I don’t regret what I did.”

Some had speculated that supporters shouting “Diallo” may have triggered the Ivorian, linking it to past controversies. Amad was previously fined £42,000 by the Italian FA in 2021 over a case involving false documentation during his move to Italy. That investigation related to his immigration process while signing for Atalanta, and led to him changing how he wanted to be addressed — dropping the surname “Traore” and adopting simply “Amad.”

During Wednesday’s match against the ASEAN All-Stars, Amad came off the bench as United lost 1-0. They are due to complete their Asia tour with a final fixture in Hong Kong on Friday.

This moment has highlighted the heated pressures players face, particularly on high-profile overseas tours. For Amad, the reaction was personal, and while he accepted that his conduct should’ve been different, he also made it clear he stood his ground in defence of his family.

WRITTEN BY

George Howson

George Howson is a Futbol Chronicle contributor and accredited journalist with over 20 years of experience following international football. A member of the AIPS International Sports Press Association, George has covered matches at stadiums around the world, bringing deep knowledge and first-hand insight to every match report and analysis he writes.