Maignan explains his red card against Bournemouth: "I was trying to make space in my box"

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has broken his silence after Thursday's Europa League red card against Bournemouth. The French stopper was dismissed on the half-hour mark in the third matchday of the competition's league phase after a clash with Tyler Adams. On Friday, he took to Instagram to explain what happened and to admit that the image he gave was not the right one.

• Maignan was sent off at a corner after pushing Tyler Adams with both hands in the face.
• The resulting penalty was converted by Marcus Tavernier to make it 2-0 to Bournemouth.
• AC Milan lost 3-0 and sit 24th with three points, occupying the final playoff spot.
• The goalkeeper says he was trying to create space in his own area and never intended to leave his team shorthanded.
• It is the third red card of his professional career, after one with Lille and two with AC Milan.

How Maignan got his red card

The incident took place in the 29th minute with AC Milan already trailing. During a Bournemouth corner, Maignan attempted to clear his six-yard box and ended up shoving Tyler Adams with two hands in the face. The referee had no hesitation in showing a straight red for violent conduct and awarding a penalty. Marcus Tavernier scored from the spot past substitute goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to make it 2-0, a goal that effectively sealed a match AC Milan would go on to lose 3-0.

What Maignan said on social media

Like all goalkeepers, and like in every match, I was trying to make space for myself in my box. Unfortunately, it gave a bad image, especially to the younger fans watching us.

The France international did not shy away from responsibility, but he also underlined what he considers non-negotiable: his values. "They know what kind of person and what kind of captain I am. They know my intentions, and leaving the team on its own is never part of them," he wrote, referring to his teammates and the coaching staff. He also criticized some interpretations of the incident: "We are used to the interpretations made by certain people and some media outlets."

What AC Milan still have at stake in the Europa League

The defeat leaves the Lombard club with three points and sitting in 24th place, the final spot that grants access to the knockout round playoffs. The Europa League has switched to a new format this season: the top eight teams in the overall table advance directly to the round of 16, while sides placed between ninth and 24th must battle for a place through a two-legged playoff.

The margin for error at the San Siro has been reduced to the minimum. With five rounds still to play, every draw and every win now carries double weight, and AC Milan need an immediate reaction to avoid missing out on a competition in which they started as one of the main title favorites.

Maignan's disciplinary record

This was the third red card of Maignan's professional career. Before the one shown against Bournemouth, the goalkeeper had already been dismissed twice: once during his time at Lille in France's Ligue 1 and once wearing the AC Milan shirt. He is not a particularly disruptive figure on the pitch, but the incident has put his intensity inside the area and the fine line between physicality and aggression back in the spotlight.

Who takes over in AC Milan's goal

With Maignan suspended for the next European fixture, the Rossoneri goal will be guarded by Lorenzo Torriani, the young keeper who came on against Bournemouth and conceded the penalty. The academy graduate will have a chance to prove himself in a high-stakes match, with the pressure of keeping AC Milan alive in the Europa League.