Mike Maignan: AC Milan pause Serie A clash with Bologna in show of support to keeper after racist abuse at Udinese
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Published 28/01/2024 at 11:03 GMT
AC Milan paused their Serie A clash with Bologna in the 16th minute to show support for goalkeeper Mike Maignan after he received racist abuse last weekend. Milan’s 3-2 win at Udinese had been interrupted as the players walked off in response to the abuse levelled at Maignan, who wears the No. 16 shirt. That incident led to FIFA president Gianni Infantino calling for games to be forfeited.
AC Milan's French goalkeeper #16 Mike Maignan warms up ahead of the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Bologna at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan on January 27, 2024.
Image credit: Getty Images
AC Milan paused their Serie A clash with Bologna on Saturday in the 16th minute in a display of support for goalkeeper Mike Maignan after he received racist abuse last weekend.
Milan’s 3-2 win at Udinese last Saturday was interrupted as the players walked off the pitch in response to the abuse levelled at Maignan, who wears the No. 16 shirt.
The incident led to FIFA president Gianni Infantino calling for games to be forfeited by the sides whose supporters engage in racist abuse.
During the pause in play, a quote from Martin Luther King was displayed on the big screen at San Siro, which read: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.”
Udinese have banned five fans for life and been forced to play one home game behind closed doors due to the incident.
"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,” said Giorgio Furlani, AC Milan's chief executive.
"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."
The match ended 2-2 as former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s brace was not enough for Milan to take all three points.
Joshua Zirkee had opened the scoring for the visitors and Riccardo Orsolini struck in added time to earn a point for Bologna that further dents Milan’s title challenge.
Stefano Pioli’s men remain third in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Juventus.
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