Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has demanded that referees give more protection to star teenage striker Pato.

Milan have been complaining in recent weeks that Pato is being targetted by defenders and Galliani is worried for the Brazilian.

"He is being scientifically targetted the moment he steps on the pitch with the hope that, given that he is young, he will become a peripheral figure, something that happens on occasions," complained Galliani.

"Defenders have always kicked forwards but the treatment dealt out to Pato is a little excessive.

"But it's up to the referees to see if things are legal or not. Referees shouldn't protect anyone but they have to put the brakes on violent play and I hope they'll do so in the next match."

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