AC Milan Walk Off Pitch After Goalkeeper Mike Maignan Reports Racist Abuse:A Story of Solidarity and Condemnation
Udine, Italy -In a shocking display of racism, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was subjected to racist chants by Udinese fans during a Serie A match on Saturday. The incident, which occurred during the first half, led to a brief suspension of the game as Maignan walked off the pitch in protest.
The 28-year-old French international, who had previously reported monkey chants to the referee, was visibly upset by the abuse. They made monkey noises and it’s not the first time it’s happened to me, Maignan toldDAZN.
After being consoled by his teammates, Maignan removed his gloves and walked down the tunnel, followed by the entire Milan squad. The match was suspended for approximately five minutes before Maignan and his team returned to the field. Despite the incident, Milan went on to win the match 3-2.
I was upset to have to go into the changing room like that but I had everyone’s support, Maignan said. We talked and then we made the decision to go back out onto the field and make the appropriateresponse – to win this game. I really didn’t want to play anymore. But we’re a family and I couldn’t leave my team-mates like that.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the footballing world. AC Milan released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the abuseand expressing support for Maignan: There is absolutely no place in our game for racism: we are appalled. We are with you, Mike.
Inter Milan, AC Milan’s city rivals, also expressed solidarity with their fellow Serie A team: We are brothers of the world, against all forms of discrimination. By your side.
The official Serie A account also condemned the incident: The league condemns all forms of racism.
Udinese is expected to face sanctions for the incident, including a partial stadium closure for its next home match.
This incident is unfortunately not an isolated one. Maignan was also subjected toracist chants in a game at Cagliari two seasons ago. There have been numerous racist incidents in Italian and European football for years, with cases in Italy aimed at Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mario Balotelli, and Romelu Lukaku among others.
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football and the needfor stronger action to combat this scourge. The solidarity shown by Maignan’s teammates, the swift condemnation from clubs and the league, and the public outcry from fans are positive signs that the footballing world is united against racism. However, more needs to be done to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that playerscan compete in a safe and inclusive environment.
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