Racist cries against Mike Maignan: Udinese sanctioned with a match behind closed doors

And now it’s time for sanctions. After the racist cries made towards Mike Maignan on the sidelines of the Serie A match Udinese-AC Milan (2-3) on Saturday evening, the sporting justice system sanctioned the Friuli club with a match behind closed doors. This collective sanction follows the stadium ban for life of one of the perpetrators, a 46-year-old man identified by the police. This decision was made Monday evening by the club.

A day behind closed doors for the Udinese stadium after the incidents of racial discrimination against Mike on Saturday evening #Maignan. The sports judge established this in the press release just issued

— Pietro Mazzara (@PietroMazzara) January 23, 2024

Saturday evening, the goalkeeper of the France team denounced on several occasions to Mr. Maresca, the match referee, racist comments made by Udinese supporters. The referee decided to stop the match, which resumed after a few minutes. “It was not the player who was attacked. It’s the man. He’s the father of the family,” Maignan reacted the next day on his social networks. The former PSG goalkeeper urged “an entire system” to take “its responsibilities”, including “the authorities and the prosecutor”. He has received the support of many football personalities, including Didier Deschamps and Kylian Mbappé.

Udinese should therefore play their match against Monza on February 3 without their supporters. The Bianconeri have only won once at home this season and are 16th, just one point ahead of Hellas Verona, first relegated.