Football world stands with Mike Maignan against Udinese racists

Mike Maignan has received support from footballers around the world following the racism encounter with Udinese fans in Milan’s comeback win last night.

The French Goalkeeper was on duty between the sticks in Udine as the Rossonerri claimed their sixth away win of the season in the Serie A but was subjected to racial abuses by racists in the stands.

After Ruben Loftus-Cheek gave Milan the lead just after the half-hour mark, Maignan met with referee for the second time in five minutes to complain about abuses from the stand.

What did Mike Maignan say ?

Speaking after the game, Milan shotstopper Mike Maignan said; “We can’t play football like this. At the first goal kick I heard monkey chants and I didn’t say anything. The second goal kick they did it again so I called the bench and fourth referee.”

“This is not the first time this happened to me. These are things that need to be said. They are ignorant people. The fan comes to the stadium to cheer, maybe to whistle, but these things in football shouldn’t happen.”

“Now I don’t want to meet anyone, I don’t want to talk to them. They must have very strong sanctions, because talking is no longer of any use. They must stay at home and no longer come to the stadium. Football is beautiful because you come to the stadium, with your families, to have fun.” Maignan concluded.

In support of their teammate, Milan players walked off the pitch, momentarily halting play before resumption around five minutes later.

The next two goals after the restart went the way of Udinese, who turned the game around to lead 2-1 two minutes after the hour-mark, with Lazar Samardzic and Florian Thauvin getting on the score sheet.

Milan would then go on to score two more goals of their own, including a 90+3 minute winner from substitute Noah Okafor, ensuring the racists do not have the final joy.

Teammates at both club and country have expressed their support for the former Lille Goalkeeper, Mike Maignan through social media activities, condemning the racists and racism.

Football world shows support for Mike Maignan

Teammates at both club and country have expressed their support for the former Lille Goalkeeper, Mike Maignan through social media activities, condemning the racists and racism.

French teammate Kylian Mbappe wrote on his X handle; “You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan. We are all with you. Still the same problems and still NO solution. Enough is enough !!!!!!!!!!!! NO TO RACISM.”

Christian Pulisic, Marcus Thuram, Ibrahima Konate, Rafael Leao, Yunus Musah, and Tim Weah and others have all expressed support to Mike Maignan.

Milan’s city rivals Inter has also showed support for Mike Maignan in a class move on twitter; “We are brothers of the world, against all forms of discrimination. By your side Mike Maignan ”

It remains to be seen what action Serie A will take against Udinese and or their fans. Albeit the league frown at racism, it has taken little action against the racists.

Now, questions will be asked again, as it has always been the case.

Hassan Afolabi