Title: Udinese Fined for Racist Abuse towards AC Milan’s Maignan, Ordered to Play Behind Closed Doors
Udinese Calcio has been ordered to play one match behind closed doors after their fans were found guilty of racially abusing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during a Serie A match. The league’s sports judge, Gerardo Mastrandrea, imposed the sanction, stating that it was the minimum penalty due to Udinese’s proactive approach to identifying the culprits.
Five individuals have been banned from attending every football stadium in Italy for five years. This additional penalty was imposed by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s office, along with a life-long ban from Udinese’s Bluenergy Stadium for the fans involved.
Maignan and his teammates walked off the pitch after racist chanting was heard, leading to a 10-minute suspension of play. Maignan reported the incident to the referee, Fabio Maresca, who addressed the audience, asking them to stop. Maignan, who has previously been the target of racist abuse in a game at Cagliari, expressed his dismay at having to leave the pitch in such a manner, but appreciated the support from his teammates.
In a statement, AC Milan expressed their solidarity with Maignan, stating, There is absolutely no place in our game for racism: we are appalled. We are with you, Mike.
For anyone witnessing or experiencing racism in football, Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion organization, offers an online reporting form to address these incidents. The organization works across football, education, and community sectors to combat discrimination, promote inclusive practices, and advocate for positive change.
Key Points:
- Udinese Calcio has been sanctioned to play behind closed doors after their fans racially abused AC Milan’s Mike Maignan.
- Five individuals involved in the abuse have been banned from attending all Italian stadiums for five years.
- Maignan and his teammates walked off the pitch during a match, leading to a 10-minute suspension of play.
- Maignan previously faced racist abuse during a game at Cagliari.
- AC Milan expressed solidarity with Maignan, emphasizing their stance against racism in football.
- Kick It Out provides an online reporting form for incidents of racism in football.
Note: The provided text includes a section on the online reporting form from Kick It Out, which was not included in the original prompt but was added to ensure comprehensive coverage of the topic.
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