AC Milan Goalkeeper Mike Maignan Walks Off Pitch Amid Racist Abuse
AC Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan dramatically walked off the pitch during a Serie A match against Udinese on Saturday after suffering alleged racist chants from the home fans. The incident prompted a brief suspension of the game in the first half.
The 28-year-old French international’s decision to leave the field came shortly after AC Milan had taken a 1-0 lead and were preparing to take a goal kick. Maignan signaled to his teammates to stop, approached the referee, and then walked off the pitch, leaving the match in limbo.
I couldn’t continue playing after they made monkey noises at me. It’s not the first time it’s happened to me, Maignan told DAZN, expressing his frustration and distress.
His teammates attempted to console Maignan on the touchline, but he eventually removed his gloves and walked down the tunnel, followed by his team. The match was suspended for approximately five minutes before Maignan and his teammates returned to the field. Despite the interruption, AC Milan managed to secure a 3-2 victory.
Reflecting on the incident, Maignan said, I was upset to have to go into the changing room like that, but I had everyone’s support. We made the decision to go back out onto the field and make the appropriate response – to win this game. I really didn’t want to play anymore, but we’re a family and I couldn’t leave my teammates like that.
In response to the incident, Udinese may face a partial stadium closure for their next home match. 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.
Inter Milan, the league leaders, also showed support for their city rivals, posting on X, We are brothers of the world, against all forms of discrimination. By your side. The official Serie A account added, The league condemns all forms of racism.
This is not the first time Maignan has faced such abuse; he was also subjected to racist chants in a game at Cagliari two seasons ago. Italian and European soccer have long struggled with racism, with notable incidents involving players like Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mario Balotelli, and Romelu Lukaku.
The incident has sparked further conversations about the need to address and eliminate racism in soccer and sports more broadly.
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