Udinese released a statement today in response to the racist abuse suffered by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, condemning the ‘deplorable incident’.
The Rossoneri number one walked off the pitch in the first half of the Serie A clash between the two sides on Saturday evening after suffering racist abuse from some Udinese fans behind his goal. Play was eventually resumed and Milan ran off 3-2 winners after a late goal.
The incident was widely shared on social media and saw an outpouring of support for Maignan, who personally called on the ‘entire system to take responsibility’ for ongoing fight against racism in football. Milan decided to fall silent on social media for a day to back their goalkeeper.
In response to the incident, Udinese released an official statement today, promising to help try and identify the fans responsible for racially abusing Maignan.
“Udinese Calcio deeply regrets and condemns every act of racism and violence. We reaffirm our aversion to any form of discrimination and express our profound solidarity with the AC Milan player Mike Maignan in light of Saturday’s deplorable incident at our stadium.
“Udinese will collaborate with all investigating authorities to ensure immediate clarification of the incident, with the aim of taking any necessary measures to punish those responsible.
“As an institution, we will continue to work diligently, as we always have, to promote diversity and integration of all ethnicities, cultures and languages among our players, staff, fan base and city.”
Udinese director Federico Balzaretti spoke to Sky Sports Italia and DAZN after the loss to Milan, promising that ‘there will be consequences’ for the fans responsible and condemning the incident.
Coach Gabriele Cioffi has come under fire after trying to avoid the situation when speaking to Sky Sports Italia, stating that he ‘would prefer to ignore it and talk about football’.
Nota ufficiale Udinese Calcio
Il club condanna ogni forma di razzismo👉 https://t.co/cPGY5rSyN3
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Official statement
Udinese Calcio condemns every act of racism👉 https://t.co/UuS7s1g2zp pic.twitter.com/ejRLeDvtpE
— Udinese Calcio (@Udinese_1896) January 21, 2024