Why Fabregas cannot be punished with video evidence after Milan 1-1 Como | OneFootball

Many were calling for video evidence to be used in punishing Como coach Cesc Fabregas for self-confessed ‘unsporting behaviour’ against Milan, but the rules wouldn’t allow it.

The incident caused controversy during last night’s rescheduled Serie A Week 24 match at San Siro, which ended 1-1.

Fabregas confessed to unsporting behaviour

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, applauds the fans at the end of the Serie A match between AS Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

At the 80th minute, Alexis Saelemaekers was battling with two Como players for the ball on the touchline when he felt either a tug on his shirt or a push in the back.

It was Fabregas, but it made him turn around and react angrily, allowing Como to create a dangerous attacking situation.

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The Saelemaekers response sparked a touchline row that saw Milan coach Max Allegri and Como team manager Davide Cattaneo sent off.

As there was no punishment for Fabregas, who confessed in his press conference and several post-match interviews to “unsporting behaviour” with Saelemaekers, many were calling for action to be taken using video evidence.

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Como 1907 coach Cesc Fabregas issues instructions to his player Anastasios Douvikas of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, an analysis of the Lega Serie A rules show why that is not going to happen.

Article 61 of the sporting justice system clearly states that video evidence can only be used in situations where there is violent conduct, serious unsporting behaviour, or blasphemous phrases.

Serious unsporting behaviour is also clarified in the code of conduct as evident simulation to win a penalty or get a player sent off, scoring voluntarily with a hand, or denying a goal with intentional handball.

Violent conduct also cannot really be applied to this situation, because Saelemaekers was at most tapped on the back.

Fabregas therefore will not be punished, but it was an extremely unusual situation where a coach interfered with play while staying off the field.