Mike Maignan takes a stand against racism once again. After halting yesterday's Udinese-Milan match, the goalkeeper today published a post asking for something to be done against racist chants and points the finger at the fans present, the same black and white club and the authorities: «Today it is an entire system that must take responsibility: the authors of these gestures, because it is 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 be silent: you are accomplices. Udinese, who only talked about the interruption of the match as if nothing had happened, you too are an accomplice. The authorities and the prosecutor, with all that is happening, if you do nothing you too will be accomplices».
Maignan's post
Maignan decided not to stop after the racist insults of Udinese-Milan: «It was not the player who was attacked, but the man. He is the father of the family. It's not the first time it's happened to me and I'm not the first one it's happened to». The post then continues: «We have made announcements, advertising campaigns, protocols and nothing has changed. I've said it before: I'm not playing the victim. I want to thank Milan, my teammates, the referee, the Udinese players and everyone who has sent me messages, called and supported me both publicly and privately. I can't respond to everyone, but I see you».
The honorary citizenship of Udine
The incident has also reached the mayor of Udine who immediately took the situation in hand. «The city is not racist and has a long history of hospitality. That's why I personally invited Maignan to carry out concrete initiatives together dedicated to the younger ones, with the support of the Milan Foundation. I will propose to the City Council to also confer on him honorary citizenship on that occasion». This is how the first citizen, Alberto Felice De Toni, continued: «I was deeply hurt by what happened yesterday and for this reason I want to express Udine's solidarity, the Friulians and Udinese fans who do not feel represented by the incident».
Salvini's condemnation
«Yesterday's chants were shameful and I hope that 2024 brings a new culture and a new sporting spirit to the stadiums. I hope that those in charge intervene, I saw that the Udinese company has already intervened with clear words, I think we cannot blame entire cities or companies for a few idiots». This is how the deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini commented on the boos directed at Milan goalkeeper Maignan. «I hope that we only discuss sporting events - he adds - then yesterday we incredibly won in Udine, let's say that these idiots brought us luck. Maignan has all my solidarity as a sportsman, fan, Italian and civil person».
Dybala's message
Paulo Dybala also wanted to stand by the Milan goalkeeper. «On and off the field, racism has no place in football and nowhere else. You have all my support, Mike».
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