Udinese, the Italian Serie A club, has issued a lifetime ban to a fan for racially abusing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during Saturday’s match. The incident led to a brief suspension of play as Maignan and his teammates left the field, bringing the matter to the attention of referee Fabio Maresca.
Security cameras were utilized by Udinese to identify the perpetrator, and efforts are underway to locate any additional individuals involved. The immediate implementation of a lifetime ban serves as a stern message against racism, with Udinese expressing a commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment within the football community.
Udinese released the following statement:
“We believe that such strong measures are necessary to send a clear message that racism has no place in football or society. Udinese Calcio stands firmly against any form of discrimination, and we are determined to create an inclusive and respectful environment within our football community.
“We thank the authorities for their cooperation and together we will continue to work tirelessly in order to identify and punish other individuals who were involved in this incident and that tarnish the sporting ethics of the club, the Region, the city of Udine, and a fan base that has always been a model of integration and respect.
“We want to ensure that our stadium remains a space where everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, background, culture, and language is able to enjoy the beautiful game without fear of discrimination. Udinese Calcio calls on all football stakeholders to unite in the fight against racism and discrimination, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.”
The match resumed approximately 10 minutes after the stoppage, with Udinese supporters subsequently booing Maignan throughout the game. AC Milan secured a 3-2 victory, with striker Noah Okafor scoring in stoppage time.
Maignan, who has faced racist abuse previously, expressed his frustration on Instagram, emphasizing the need for systemic change in combating racism in football. Udinese has also been penalized by the Italian football federation, mandating that the team plays one home game without fans as a consequence for the severity of the event. The decision to play a match behind closed doors reflects Udinese’s proactive stance in identifying those responsible.
