Inzaghi defends Muntari over Van Ginkel tackle

AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi says Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari’s tackle that injured Marco van Ginkel was “tough, but not malicious.”

Reports in Italy have suggested Muntari would be fined or even dropped from the Milan squad for today’s game with Napoli as punishment for injuring the Dutchman who is on loan from Chelsea.

Muntari’s tackle has ruled Van Ginkel out for up to six weeks, causing a sprained ankle with ligament damage.

“We’re disappointed. It was a tough challenge, but not malicious or premeditated,” Inzaghi told Milan Channel.

“Sulley was the first to apologise. If we didn’t train with this intensity and hunger, then it’d be more difficult to win games.

“It wasn’t a ‘killer tackle,’ otherwise I would’ve intervened. Sulley is a good lad and he’s the first to be sad about this.

“We’ve lost a player who would’ve started against Napoli, as he was in great form. The thoughts are for Marco and we are all sad to see him on crutches.”