He is the ultimate defense of the French team, the French goalkeeper.
But this time, it was he who was defended, by his coach.
Mike Maignan, victim of racist insults on Saturday during AC Milan's trip to Udinese (3-2 victory), received the support of Didier Deschamps.
The former LOSC player stopped playing on a six-yarder, the victim of racist chants.
His entire team then returned to the locker room.
The match finally resumed after a five-minute interruption.
“I give all my support to Mike Maignan,” declared Didier Deschamps.
What our goalkeeper experienced yesterday in Udine is completely unacceptable.
I completely understand his decision to leave the field.
» The French coach called for sanctions against Udinese supporters: “Racist insults are unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
Racism has no place anywhere and must be fought relentlessly.
»
Mike Maignan himself spoke in a long press release published on Sunday.
“It was not the player who was attacked.
It's the man.
He's the father of the family.
This isn't the first time this has happened to me.
And I'm not the first this has happened to.
»
It was not the player who was attacked.
It's the man.
He's the father of the family.
This isn't the first time this has happened to me.
And I'm not the first this has happened to.
We made press releases, advertising campaigns, protocols and nothing changed.… pic.twitter.com/47tfcW4oNo
— Magic Mike Maignan (@mmseize) January 21, 2024
The goalkeeper of the French team also benefited from the support of many of his selection partners, including Kylian Mbappé: “You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan.
We are all with you.
Still the same problems and still no solution.
» The captain of the Blues was imitated by Antoine Griezmann, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jules Koundé and Marcus Thuram.
You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan.
We are all with you.
Still the same problems and still NO solution.
Enough is enough !!!!!!!!!!!!
NO TO RACISM.
⛔️✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/uqlCLMr00x
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) January 20, 2024
The players are aware of it, the problem is deep, particularly in Italy.
Several clubs have been sanctioned this season due to racist chants.
In November, Fiorentina suffered a match behind closed doors.
Lazio will play its next home match (the 28th against Naples) in front of several closed stands.
Also read “I am Mike, standing, black and proud”: Maignan, a goalkeeper who never gives up in the face of racism
Almost derisory sanctions in view of the alleged facts.
Mike Maignan calls for stronger actions to really change things: “We have issued press releases, advertising campaigns, protocols and nothing has changed.
»