5-year stadium ban issued for racism in Italy

A fan who directed racist chants at French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who plays for the Italian Serie A club Milan, has been handed a 5-year ban from stadiums. The racism directed at the 28-year-old Milan goalkeeper Maignan during the first half of the Serie A Week 21 match, which visiting Milan won 3-2 against Udinese, remains a major topic of discussion in the country.

RECEIVED A 5-YEAR BAN

According to reports in the Italian press, a 46-year-old individual who made racist insults toward Maignan was identified thanks to videos posted on social media by other fans in the Udinese stands and received a 5-year stadium ban.

It was noted that the fan in question led the racist chants directed at the French goalkeeper, including "Dirty n*****" and "Buu buu." The Udinese club stated in a press release that the fan in question would be banned from the Udinese stadium for life.

INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE

It was stated that efforts to identify other fans who engaged in racist chanting are ongoing. Meanwhile, Serie A League President Lorenzo Casini also stated that their stance against this incident is clear, and that they condemn all forms of racism and discrimination clearly and strongly.

Matteo Piantedosi, the Interior Minister of the right-wing coalition government led by Giorgia Meloni, which came to power in October 2022, described the racist chants as "heinous" and said that those responsible for the incident must be held accountable for their actions.

Luca Ciriani, a minister from Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy (FdI) party who also serves as the Minister for Relations with Parliament, argued that "there is no need to sound a racism alarm in their country," adding, "We should not generalize the stupidity of a few people."

Opposition 5 Star Movement (M5S) deputy Antonio Caso commented, "The football world must now face this issue without showing any hesitation. There must be tougher measures for racists in stadiums." Support for Maignan was also expressed during sessions held today in the General Assembly of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, particularly by left-wing opposition parties.

WHAT HAPPENED

Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan left the pitch in the 33rd minute of the Serie A Week 21 match between Udinese and Milan after being subjected to racist chants. Milan players, supporting the French goalkeeper, also waited in the tunnel for a while.

After Maignan and his teammates returned to the pitch 10 minutes later, the match resumed, and visiting Milan left the field with a 3-2 victory.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also reacted to the incident due to the racism Maignan was subjected to.

News Source: 12punto