Mexico forward Gimenez, who transferred to Milan from Feyenoord during the winter transfer window, pushed the ball home from practically on the line after Malick Thiaw did brilliantly to keep in Christian Pulisic’s cross.
“Yes, today Theo was sent off but that could happen to anyone. That’s football,” said Gimenez to Sky.
“We all have great respect for Theo and we ask that he is supported because he always gives everything for Milan and is one of the best full-backs in the world
“Now we can’t look back, we have to look forward. We’re still in the (Italian) cup and have work to do in the league so all we can do is keep our heads down and work hard.”
The 23-year-old Gimenez has already scored three times for Milan since signing from Feyenoord but his sixth goal in the Champions League this season was also his last.
Milan coach Sergio Conceicao was quick to deflect blame away from Hernandez.
“You can talk about whether Theo was touched or not but we need to be stronger emotionally and mentally,” said Conceicao.
“This elimination is down to me, not Theo or anyone else. I’m the one who’s responsible. Theo has gven a lot to Milan.”
Milan are by no means assured of a spot in next year’s tournament as they sit seventh in Serie A, five points off the top four with a game in hand.
And their season has been greatly compromised by the dismal way they lost the first leg in Rotterdam and Hernandez’s poor discipline which led to Tuesday’s painful elimination.
© 2025 AFP
