Theo Hernandez scored 89 seconds into the game against Venezia, but his celebration was a reference to the recent controversy surrounding the Milan left-back and Rafael Leao.

The pair were dropped from the starting XI for the trip to Lazio in Serie A Week 3, but combined to score the equaliser barely 30 seconds after stepping foot on the field as substitutes.

They returned to the line-up at San Siro against Venezia and within 89 seconds Leao had released the France international down the left with a cheeky back-heel flick, the finish squirming past Jesse Joronen at the near post.

As he celebrated, Hernandez was eager to send several messages to the fans and above all the media who had torn them apart in recent weeks.

He hugged teammate Rafael Leao and pointed to him, urging the supporters to give him credit for that assist.

Theo Hernandez also held up a finger to his lips to silence critics, while the other hand was up to his ear listening out for more insults.

Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez controversy

They were bitterly criticised after the 2-2 draw with Lazio because just moments after the goal, there was a cooling break and all the Milan players crowded around coach Paulo Fonseca around the touchline – except Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao.

The pair stood on the opposite side of the pitch, chatting amongst themselves, a gesture that earned a great deal of criticism and outright abuse from fans and media pundits.

Despite the controversy, Fonseca assured there was no issue and that was confirmed when Theo Hernandez wore the captain’s armband this evening.