The clash occurred when Fabregas grabbed Saelemaekers' shirt, preventing him from returning to position. Referee showed Allegri a red card for his reaction but issued no warning to Fabregas. After the match, Allegri reportedly called Fabregas 'a big idiot' and 'a kid who started coaching yesterday.'
Fabregas later apologized for his unsportsmanlike behavior, admitting he was too excited. 'I made an unsportsmanlike gesture. I was so excited that I touched the ball; my hands should have stayed at home,' he said. The incident adds to recent controversies in Italian football.