Manchester United’s highly anticipated visit to Malaysia has been overshadowed by controversy after both Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were caught showing the middle finger to fans.
The obscene gestures, which were caught on video and widely circulated across social media, left local supporters stunned and heartbroken.
Showed middle finger at fans
In one clip, Garnacho can be seen flipping off the crowd during what appeared to be a casual interaction with supporters.
Just hours later, Amad Diallo was also filmed raising his middle finger the moment he stepped off the team bus, as fans excitedly called his name.
🚨🚨 Amad Diallo’s middle finger gesture when he was leaving the Manchester United team hotel in Kuala Lumpur…
— Cherish 😍 🥰 (@chitor324) May 29, 2025
…was his response to serious “personal abuse from an individual”, per SamCReports. pic.twitter.com/4pwJfTAycW
The reactions come after Man United suffered a shock 0-1 loss to the ASEAN All-Stars at Bukit Jalil Stadium on May 28 — a match that already had fans reeling from frustration.
Instead of receiving thanks for their loyalty, supporters — many of whom had saved up for months just to attend — were left speechless by the players’ actions.
‘I don’t regret it’
Amid the backlash, Amad took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to respond. He acknowledged that he shouldn’t have made the gesture, but insisted he had a reason — claiming someone in the crowd had insulted his mother.
I respect others but not those who insult my mum. I shouldn’t have reacted like that, but I don’t regret what I did,” the 22-year-old Ivorian winger wrote.
He added that their time in Malaysia was still enjoyable and praised the kindness of many locals.
I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom…
— Amad (@Amaddiallo_19) May 29, 2025
I shouldn't have reacted like that but I don't regret what I did.🤞🏾
We had a great time in Malaysia with good people😄❤️ pic.twitter.com/9d1WeCTMTd
Netizens: ‘You’re lying!’
But fans weren’t buying his explanation. Many Malaysians who were present at the scene denied hearing any insults directed at his family.
One post, which included a video of Amad’s obscene gesture, read:
Player penipu (liar), who insulted his mum? We don’t even know her. He walked off the bus and immediately showed the middle finger — it’s all on video.”
Dah lah club bangang, player penipu. Celah mana entah orang hina emak dia. Kenal emak dia pun tak.
— Datuk Jahat Hensem (@datukhensem) May 30, 2025
Keluar-keluar bas terus bagi middle finger. Bukti jelas dalam video. Bengap punya @Amaddiallo_19 https://t.co/OfvUJNZywM pic.twitter.com/n7qPZ2wu3M
