Updated: Oct. 6, 2007
Dida antics 'wrong', says Milan colleague Kaka
AC Milan playmaker Kaka has pledged to support under-fire goalkeeper Dida despite admitting his Brazilian countryman was 'wrong' to react the way he did after being struck by a Celtic fan.
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The incident came in the immediate aftermath of Scott McDonald's last-minute winner for the Scottish side in Wednesday's Champions League clash at Parkhead.
The fan, who has since been identified and banned by the club for life, made contact with the goalkeeper who proceeded to briefly give chase before collapsing to the ground theatrically.
After treatment, Dida was carried off on a stretcher with an ice pack on his face.
Kaka, speaking after picking up the FIFPro Player of the Year award, said: 'In Glasgow, Dida did not do well; it was a difficult moment for him.
'He had just suffered a goal, then there was the slap from that fan.
'Dida made his choice and we are close to him even though what he did was wrong.
'The entire team is close to him. In the past he gave us a lot of satisfaction and it's fair that we help him.'
UEFA's control and disciplinary body will deal with the case at their next disciplinary meeting on October 11.
• Meanwhile, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti also said goalkeeper Dida made a mistake in collapsing to the floor after being slapped by a Celtic fan on Wednesday.
UEFA have opened a disciplinary case against the Scottish side after the supporter invaded the pitch and approached Dida following Celtic's last-gasp winner in the 2-1 Champions League victory over the European champions.
The European governing body has also asked Milan why Dida was substituted. There was minimal contact between the fan and the keeper, who initially gave chase before suddenly collapsing to the ground and being carried off.
'In the course of the last few years Dida has demonstrated great sportsmanship and fair play,' Ancelotti said.
'The other night he made an error, I do not know why he did that. I think he has made a mistake but that is that. The doctor could not know the extent of the damage and preferred to avoid any risks.'
Italian media, as well as criticising the Brazilian for his dramatic fall, blamed him for the two Celtic goals and have speculated that Milan are looking for another keeper.
Reports said the European champions nearly bought Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon during the close season but were put off by the price. Ancelotti backed Dida for Sunday's Serie A trip to Lazio and denied he was on his way out.
'Dida is the goalkeeper of Milan, the issue is closed and finished,' he added.
Milan, who are struggling in Serie A, have defensive problems for Sunday's game with left back Marek Jankulovski ruled out with a knee injury while Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini are slight doubts.