Udinese has to play home game without fans for racist abuse aimed at AC Milan’s Maignan

League judge Gerardo Mastrandrea noted that despite two announcements inside the stadium asking fans to stop the abuse, there were no reports of other supporters disassociating themselves from the racist chants.

Published : Jan 23, 2024 19:28 IST , Milan - 2 MINS READ

Referee Fabio Maresca, right, speaks to AC Milan’s Mike Maignan during the Italian Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan that was suspended, at the Friuli stadium in Udine, Italy.
Referee Fabio Maresca, right, speaks to AC Milan’s Mike Maignan during the Italian Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan that was suspended, at the Friuli stadium in Udine, Italy. | Photo Credit: Andrea Bressanutti/ AP
infoIcon

Referee Fabio Maresca, right, speaks to AC Milan’s Mike Maignan during the Italian Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan that was suspended, at the Friuli stadium in Udine, Italy. | Photo Credit: Andrea Bressanutti/ AP

Udinese will have to play its next home game in an empty stadium as punishment for racist abuse aimed at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Serie A judge decided on Tuesday following widespread outrage after the incidents during Saturday’s game in Udine.

League judge Gerardo Mastrandrea noted that despite two announcements inside the stadium asking fans to stop the abuse, there were no reports of other supporters disassociating themselves from the racist chants.

However, since Udinese cooperated with authorities and acted quickly to find the fans responsible for the abuse, the least severe sanction was applied.

ALSO READ: Japan coach Moriyasu appalled by racist abuse directed at keeper Suzuki

Fans won’t be allowed in for a game against Monza on February 3.

Maignan walked off the field after being subjected to what he later said were monkey noises. The 28-year-old goalie was joined by his teammates and the match was suspended for about five minutes. They returned and Milan went on to win 3-2.

Udinese identified one of the fans responsible for the abuse and banned him for life on Monday as it vowed to do the same for the other “evil people” amid calls for tougher sanctions from authorities.

Maignan received widespread support from the football world and issued a statement on Sunday calling for authorities to take stronger action.

There have been numerous racist incidents in Italian and European football for years, with victims in Italy including Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mario Balotelli and Romelu Lukaku.

This month, Lazio was sanctioned with a one-match partial stadium closure for racist chants directed at Lukaku.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment