"It's a tough fight, it will take time and courage but it's a fight that we will win": Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan wrote this the day after the match against Udinese, a match interrupted because racist insults were directed at him several times.
Maignan, in a long reflection posted on social media, invites the football system to take its responsibilities, defining "accomplices" those who have not distanced themselves from the gesture - even the fans in the stands - or who will not take severe measures, including Udinese and the authorities.
"It wasn't the player who was attacked" explains Maignan "but the man, the father of the family".
And again: "I am not a victim" and "thanks for the support, I see you and we are together".
"The events that occurred on Saturday in Udine and in September in Sheffield are totally repugnant and completely unacceptable. The players affected by Saturday's events have my full support."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for a ban on access to the stadium for fans who hurl "abominable" insults after what happened in Udine with the racist boos at Maignan and in England in September when in Sheffield goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was filled with racist insults.
"There is no place for racism - Infantino wrote on social media - nor for other forms of discrimination, in football or in society".
For further information Agenzia ANSA Udinese-Milan 2-3.
Racist chants against Maignan - News - Ansa.it Maresca interrupts the match.
Then the match resumes (ANSA)
Udinese 'deep solidarity with AC Milan player'
"Udinese Calcio deeply regrets and condemns any act of racism and violence. We reaffirm our aversion to any form of discrimination and express our profound solidarity with AC Milan player Mike Maignan in light of the deplorable episode that occurred on Saturday in our stadium."
Thus in a note from the Friulian club after what happened yesterday in Udine with the interruption of Udinese-Milan in the 33rd minute of the first half due to the boos and racist insults directed at Maignan by the public behind the goal defended by the goalkeeper Milan.
"Udinese will collaborate with all the investigating authorities to ensure the immediate clarification of the incident, with the aim of adopting every necessary measure to punish those responsible. As a Club, we will continue to work diligently, as we have always done, to promote diversity and integration of all ethnicities, cultures and languages among our players, staff, city and a fan base that has always demonstrated fairness."
'Defeat and sector closed' proposal
"Defeat for the team and, we add, closure of the sector where the racist insults and chants originated. Racist insults and chants have been heard in our stadiums for years. FIFA, after what happened in Udine against Milan goalkeeper Maignan and in Sheffield, was clear: there is no place for racism or other forms of discrimination. We think so too. The time has come for the Football Federation and the League to align themselves with FIFA. We are tired of racist chants and insults."
Thus Sandro Ruotolo, Maurizio de Giovanni and Gaetano Quagliariello in a joint note regarding the racist chants addressed to the Rossoneri goalkeeper Maignan, during Udinese-Milan, which pushed the match director Maresca to suspend the match for a few minutes.
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