Photo: Maignan issues powerful response to racist abuse – “I am Mike, standing, black and proud”

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has issued a public response to the racial abuse he suffered from Juventus fans.

There was a very sour incident during the warm-ups of Juventus vs. Milan on Sunday night as Mike Maignan was subject to some appalling abuse. A video emerged showing a Juventus fan hurling a barrage of racial insults at Maignan, using terms such as ‘negro’ and ‘monkey’ within earshot of the French goalkeeper.

It understandably provoked an angry and disgusted response on social media, with an investigation now underway. Now, Maignan has responded on social media…

“On Sunday evening at Allianz Stadium, Juventus supporters targeted me with racial slurs and cries. What do you want me to say? That racism is wrong and that these supporters are stupid? It’s not about that. I am neither the first nor the last player to have this happen. As long as these events are treated as ‘isolated incidents’ and no comprehensive action is taken, history is bound to repeat itself over and over and over again.

“What are we doing to combat racism in football stadiums? Do you really believe it’s effective? I am in a club that strives to lead the way by opposing all forms of discrimination. But we need to be more numerous and to be united in this battle for society which goes beyond football.

“In the proceedings, do the people who decide know what it feels like to hear insults and cries relegating us to the rank of animals? Do they know what it does for our families, for our loved ones who see it and who do not understand that it could still happen in 2021?

“I am not a ‘victim’ of racism. I am Mike, standing, black and proud. As long as we can give our voice to change things, we will.”

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— Mike Maignan (@mmseize) September 21, 2021