AC Milan briefly stopped play to show solidarity with goalkeeper Mike Maignan
AC Milan's decision to briefly halt the match against Bologna in the 16th minute was a powerful statement of solidarity and support for the victimized goalkeeper
During last Saturday's Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese, Maignan, who wears the number 16 shirt, was subjected to racial chants by fans of the opposition club.
The game was briefly suspended in the first half after Maignan reported alleged monkey chants to the referee.
The announcer at Udinese's home field then asked the fans to stop.
Thereafter, the match resumed approximately 10 minutes later, with Maignan back in goal, but he was booed by Udinese supporters every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game.
With Milan leading 1-0 after 33 minutes and preparing to take a goal kick, goalkeeper Maignan couldn't take the abuse anymore as he approached referee Fabio Maresca and then headed to the sideline with his teammates.
After a brief stop at the sideline, he removed his gloves and walked off the field, making his way to the dressing room.
And during the Serie A clash between Milan and Bologna on Saturday, January 26, fans at San Siro held up their phones and applauded to show support for Maignan.
A quote from Martin Luther King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that," was displayed on the big screen when the play paused.
AC Milan's chief executive, Giorgio Furlani, stated that the drive was a testament to the club's commitment to fighting hate and racism, with zero tolerance for discrimination.
He said: "Today's initiative is a tangible testament to our unwavering commitment in the battle against hate and racism. As a club, we hold zero tolerance for discrimination."
"We are grateful to the Italian Football Federation, Lega Serie A, and Bologna FC for their support in making this impactful statement possible, and to everyone embracing this crucial message for change."
Milan later split points against Bologna as they drew 2-2 as Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored twice for Stefano Pioli's side after Joshua Zirkee had opened the scoring for the Rossoblu.
Riccardo Orsolini struck in added time to earn a point for Bologna, with Milan remaining third in the league.
Following the racial chants against Maignan last weekend, Udinese have banned five fans for life and are required to play one home game behind closed doors as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Maignan, who has been playing in Italy since 2021 after nearly a decade in France, has been racially abused in Serie A.
In September 2021, he was subjected to chants while playing against Juventus. Months later, Maignan and teammate Fikayo Tomori alleged racial abuse by supporters of Cagliari.
What's your take on this? Please, share your thoughts on this matter via the comments box below:
AC Milan's decision to briefly halt the match against Bologna in the 16th minute was a powerful statement of solidarity and support for the victimized goalkeeper
What happened?
During last Saturday's Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese, Maignan, who wears the number 16 shirt, was subjected to racial chants by fans of the opposition club.
The game was briefly suspended in the first half after Maignan reported alleged monkey chants to the referee.
The announcer at Udinese's home field then asked the fans to stop.
Thereafter, the match resumed approximately 10 minutes later, with Maignan back in goal, but he was booed by Udinese supporters every time he touched the ball for the rest of the game.
With Milan leading 1-0 after 33 minutes and preparing to take a goal kick, goalkeeper Maignan couldn't take the abuse anymore as he approached referee Fabio Maresca and then headed to the sideline with his teammates.
After a brief stop at the sideline, he removed his gloves and walked off the field, making his way to the dressing room.
And during the Serie A clash between Milan and Bologna on Saturday, January 26, fans at San Siro held up their phones and applauded to show support for Maignan.
A quote from Martin Luther King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that," was displayed on the big screen when the play paused.
AC Milan's chief executive, Giorgio Furlani, stated that the drive was a testament to the club's commitment to fighting hate and racism, with zero tolerance for discrimination.
He said: "Today's initiative is a tangible testament to our unwavering commitment in the battle against hate and racism. As a club, we hold zero tolerance for discrimination."
"We are grateful to the Italian Football Federation, Lega Serie A, and Bologna FC for their support in making this impactful statement possible, and to everyone embracing this crucial message for change."
Milan later split points against Bologna as they drew 2-2 as Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored twice for Stefano Pioli's side after Joshua Zirkee had opened the scoring for the Rossoblu.
Riccardo Orsolini struck in added time to earn a point for Bologna, with Milan remaining third in the league.
Following the racial chants against Maignan last weekend, Udinese have banned five fans for life and are required to play one home game behind closed doors as a result of the incident.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Maignan, who has been playing in Italy since 2021 after nearly a decade in France, has been racially abused in Serie A.
In September 2021, he was subjected to chants while playing against Juventus. Months later, Maignan and teammate Fikayo Tomori alleged racial abuse by supporters of Cagliari.
What's your take on this? Please, share your thoughts on this matter via the comments box below: