AC Milan star Rafael Leao apologises to Juventus fans are huge backlash

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has apologised to Juventus after the Rossoneri's 1-0 win away at the Allianz Stadium.

Olivier Giroud scored the only goal of the game in the 40th minute and confirmed Milan's qualification for next season's Champions League.

Leao played 82 minutes in the win before being substituted but has courted controversy for something which happened after the game.

The Portuguese international swapped shirts with a Juventus player at the end and when he was celebrating the victory, Leao had put the shirt in between his shorts.

Some felt the gesture was a disrespectful one, with a number of Juve supporters absolutely panning the former Lille man on social media.

The backlash was so strong that Leao felt the need to address the matter on social media and apologise despite not intending to cause any offence.

“If any fan felt disrespected for putting the shirt inside my shorts," he wrote on Twitter.

"I apologise, it was not my intention to convey any disrespect, on the contrary, I respect all institutions!! Forza Milan. The hate is real damn.”

Leao did receive plenty of support from Milan fans who told him to keep his head up and block out the hate.

One commented: "There’s always haters keep doing your thing legend."

A second said: "There is no need to apologise. Ignore the haters hermano, everyone knows how humble you are and never mean anything bad."

A third user told Leao: "You shouldn't even apologize for it, you put it there to have free hands to celebrate CL."

A fourth weighed in: "What is there to apologise for keep doing what you’re doing."

Leao has had a stunning campaign for Milan, notching 14 goals and 15 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for the Champions League semi-finalists.

He is set to extend his stay at the San Siro by signing a new contract with Milan.