Former Juventus striker Gianfranco Zigoni has described the recent incident involving Nigerian forward Gift Orban as 'an unacceptable act',  stressing that any disciplinary action should be left strictly to the club.

Orban was involved in a physical altercation with a fan in the parking area adjacent to the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi following the club's 1–0 defeat to AC Milan on Sunday.

The incident reportedly began when Orban declined a fan's request for a photograph as he was driving out of the stadium.

The supporter is said to have struck the vehicle in anger, prompting the 23-year-old Nigerian striker to exit his car and engage in a physical altercation.

Speaking on the incident, Zigoni criticised Orban's behaviour, stressing that the Nigerian striker must learn show respect towards supporters.

"This was an unacceptable act. I feel very sorry for everyone involved," Zigoni said as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.

"It's clear that Orban was very nervous, but a player should always be proud of the fans' support, even more so when things are bad like they are for Verona." 

"You might feel down, you might just want to leave, but the fans are there for the team, for the passion, for the love they have for Hellas Verona. They're there for you too and you should be grateful."

The incident has triggered widespread discussion among supporters, with some calling for disciplinary action against the striker, who joined Hellas Verona on loan during the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Zigoni holds a different view, insisting that reconciliation should take precedence over punishment and stressing that any disciplinary action must remain free from external influence.

"I hope Orban can meet with the fan and apologize. I believe and hope he understands the gravity of what he did, which is why I'm calling for a peaceful discussion.

"Those are the club's decisions; it's not up to me to decide the most appropriate ones," he added. 

Despite the club's difficult campaign, Gift Orban has enjoyed a relatively solid season individually, contributing seven goals and three assists in 28 league appearances.

With five matches remaining before the end of the campaign, the Nigerian striker will be aiming to maintain his form while also learning from the recent incident, with a view to showing greater discipline and respect moving forward.

Adeyemi Adewale