Note: There is information in this article that some readers may find offensive. Five people have been banned from all Italian football stadiums for a period of five years after it was suspected they were yelling racial taunts at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Following the racist taunts directed at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during a Serie A match on Saturday, Udinese have been sentenced to play one game behind closed doors.
Gerardo Mastrandrea, the league’s sports judge, has handed out the punishment. According to the ruling, Udinese’s decision to close the stadium for one game was the least harsh penalty that could have been applied and was made in light of the team’s proactive approach and early readiness to take accountability. Five people who are alleged to have yelled racist epithets at Maignan have been barred from entering any Italian football stadium for a period of five years.
The Udine Public Prosecutor’s office has not only enforced a statewide ban but also a lifetime ban on fans from entering Bluenergy Stadium. After the yelling was heard during the game, Maignan and his AC Milan teammates left the field, and play was stopped for roughly ten minutes. An announcement in the stadium requesting fans to cease their monkey chants was made after Maignan informed referee Fabio Maresca about them earlier in the game.
The Udine Public Prosecutor’s office has not only enforced a statewide ban but also a lifetime ban on fans from entering Bluenergy Stadium. After the yelling was heard during the game, Maignan and his AC Milan teammates left the field, and play was stopped for roughly ten minutes. An announcement in the stadium requesting fans to cease their monkey chants was made after Maignan informed referee Fabio Maresca about them earlier in the game.
For years, there have been many racist occurrences in Italian and European soccer. In Italy, there have been cases involving Romelu Lukaku, Mario Balotelli, and Kevin-Prince Boateng, among others. Milan stated on X, the former Twitter, “There is absolutely no place in our game for racism: we are outraged.” “Mike, we are with you.” Football’s equality and inclusion organization, Kick It Out, works to combat discrimination, promote inclusive behaviors, and advocate for positive change in the sport, education, and community sectors.
