Racism in Italy: All accomplices, Maignan balances
During a match in the 21st round of Serie A, AC Milan secured a 3-2 victory against Udinese. However, the primary incident of the game involved another case of racism directed at Mike Maignan. The French Goalkeeper decided to break his silence and accused the system of remaining silent.
Mike Maignan became a victim of racism from Udinese “supporters,” prompting him to leave the Bluenergy Stadium field at the 32nd minute, just moments after Milan scored their opening goal. The French Goalkeeper was targeted with monkey chants, a shameful behavior that led the referee to temporarily halt the match. Eventually, the game resumed, and Milan emerged victorious with a goal from Noah Okafor in the 93rd minute. Following this new case of racism in Italy, Mike Maignan chose to speak out. The former Lille player expressed his thoughts on his social media account, pointing out the numerous shortcomings of football governing bodies that fail to address and take responsibility for the issue of racism in the sport.
Maignan comes out of silence and accuses the inactivity of the authorities
“It’s not the player who was attacked. It’s the man. It’s the family man. It’s not the first time it has happened to me. And I’m not the first to whom this has happened. We’ve issued statements, advertising campaigns, protocols, and nothing has changed. Today, it’s an entire system that must take responsibility. The perpetrators of these acts, because it’s easy to act in a group, in the anonymity of a stand. The spectators who were in the stands, who saw everything, who heard everything but chose to remain silent, you are accomplices. Udinese, the club that only spoke of a match interruption as if nothing had happened, you are accomplices. The authorities and the prosecutor, with everything that’s happening, if you do nothing, YOU WILL ALSO BE ACCOMPLICES. I’ve already said it, and if it needs to be repeated, I am not a VICTIM. And I want to thank my club AC Milan, my teammates, the referee, the Udinese players, and all those who sent me messages, called me, supported me privately and publicly. I can’t respond to everyone, but I see you, and we are TOGETHER. It’s a difficult fight that will take time and courage. But it’s a fight we will win.”
Mike Maignan made this statement, expressing his frustration and determination to fight against racism in football. He emphasized that it’s not just about the player being attacked but the man and the family man. He called for the entire system, including the perpetrators, spectators who remained silent, Udinese as a club, and football governing bodies, to take responsibility. Maignan thanked those who supported him and declared that he’s not a victim but part of a collective struggle against racism in the sport.
