AC Milan’s Serie A clash was marred by racist chants toward goalkeeper Mike Maignan

AC Milan's Serie A match against Udinese was temporarily suspended due to racist chanting directed at goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Maignan brought the issue to the referee's attention, leading to a suspension of play. The match resumed after a ten-minute hiatus, with AC Milan condemning racism and Serie A condemning any form of racism. Despite the interruption, AC Milan won 3-2, with Noah Okafor scoring the decisive goal.

Zor

January 21, 2024

AC Milan’s Serie A encounter against Udinese took a disturbing turn as the match was temporarily suspended due to reported racist chanting directed at Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The alleged abuse from Udinese fans prompted Maignan to bring it to the referee’s attention, leading to a suspension of play.

In a show of solidarity, Maignan, visibly affected, walked off the pitch accompanied by his teammates during the suspension. The game resumed after a ten-minute hiatus, with Maignan rejoining his team. AC Milan released a statement condemning racism, stating, “There is no place in our game for racism: we are appalled. We are with you, Mike.” Serie A also issued a statement, emphasizing their condemnation of any form of racism. The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of racist chanting in Italian football.

Past instances have seen sanctions imposed, including stadium closures, as the football community strives to address and eradicate such behavior. Despite the unsettling interruption, the match concluded with AC Milan securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Udinese, with Noah Okafor scoring the decisive goal in injury time.

🚨 Udinese-AC Milan game has been suspended for 10 minutes due to racist chants from Udinese fans to Mike Maignan.

Maignan told the referee first — then he decided to leave the pitch.

French GK returned after 10 mins as game restarted.

What a shame. We’re with you, Mike ❤️✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/N5wHdzbf7t

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2024