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AC Milan closed the gap on second-placed Juventus with a hard-fought victory over Lazio last weekend. They needed a late winner from Noah Okafor to clinch the three points in a game marred by controversy.

Lazio had three players sent off, two of which came in additional time at the end of the second half. Two of the three dismissals – those for Luca Pellegrini and Matteo Guendouzi – involved Milan star Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic was hauled back by Pellegrini for the first and then shoved over by Guendouzi for the second. In the aftermath of the game Pulisic was targeted online by Lazio supporters, who were unhappy with his part in the red cards.

He was subject to multiple death threats with references to his family.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League trip to Slavia Prague, AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli said: “Pulisic does not need to be defended. His story speaks for itself. Social media has become a place for insults and rudeness and Pulisic has all our support.”

Pulisic has been reinvigorated since his move to Italy and has established himself as a regular in the AC Milan side. The 25-year-old has contributed seven goals and six assists across 25 Serie A appearances so far this season.

His next challenge is a Europa League Round of 16 clash against Slavia Praha on Thursday. Milan dropped down from the Champions League after failing to progress from the group stages but stand a realistic chance of competing for European honours.