Udinese followers compelled a quick suspension of play once they directed racist chants at AC Milan goalie Mike Maignan throughout a match at Bluenergy Filed on Jan. 20. Maignan, who’s black, walked towards a referee after which off the sphere on the thirty third minute, adopted by his teammates.
Play resumed after about 10 minutes. Maignan addressed the incident after the sport.
“At the first time, I went to get the ball and I heard people call me ‘monkey’, but I didn’t say anything; then they did it again and I asked the bench for help, then I said that you can’t play football like that.
This is not the first time this has 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.”
“No, I don’t want to meet anyone, I don’t want to talk to them,” Maignan stated when requested if he can be open to speaking with the abusive followers. “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.”
