Udinese have confirmed that they have identified a first fan who participated in racially abusing Mike Maignan and they have served him with a lifetime ban.
Sadly Milan’s 3-2 victory on Saturday night was marred by the disgusting scenes that began during the warm-ups and continued into the game as Maignan was targeted with monkey chants and other racial slurs.
A shocking video released earlier today has shown that the racial abuse directed at Maignan continued after the players had left the field and when Udinese equalised through Lazar Samardzic.
A small group of Udinese fans had claimed earlier that there is a lack of proof that these chants actually happened and they feel the situation has been blown out of proportion, which has now been fully put to bed.
In a statement that was published on their official website this evening, Udinese revealed that they have identified one of the perpetrators and have ensured he will not return to any games.
“In a joint effort with the local police authorities and utilising the Bluenergy Stadium security cameras, Udinese Calcio has identified the first individual responsible for discriminatory behaviour towards AC Milan player Mike Maignan.
“This person will face a lifetime ban from attending any Udinese Calcio matches. This ban is effective immediately. We believe that such strong measures are necessary to send a clear message that racism has no place in football or society.
“Udinese Calcio stands firmly against any form of discrimination, and we are determined to create an inclusive and respectful environment within our football community.
“We thank the authorities for their cooperation and together we will continue to work tirelesslyin order to identify and punish other individuals who were involved in this incident and that tarnish the sporting ethics of the club, the Region, the city of Udine and a fan base that has always been a model of integration and respect.
“We want to ensure that our stadium remains a space where everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, background, culture, and language is able to enjoy the beautiful game without fear of discrimination.
“Udinese Calcio calls on all football stakeholders to unite in the fight against racism and discrimination, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.”
Ridiculous. A lifetime ban just means you’re helping someone save money. That’s not punishment. There should be criminal charges.
How do you mean “helping the person save money”? Nobody is ever being compelled to go watch football match at the stadium, especially a “home” match. People do so out of passion for the game and love for their team. So if someone is banned for life from coming to watch a home match, it is grievous for such a person.
Yeah. Death by hanging would be more appropriate, right? Be real, it’s a good call. No more monkey business for the idiots.
To be fair it would be. Words like this can and has incited violence in the past.
I am very aware with your impressive intellect you know this. Maybe the penalty for racism should be more grevious and heavy. Maybe, just maybe then foolish humans won’t engage in it.
The stick can be an impressive tool in effecting change. And I mean racism punishment as a whole, not just in the place of sports.
Since when is Udinese the police or the state? They are enforcing what they can. You should check Udine’s police department/ district attorney/procura for that.
Well, then Udinese police department has been sleeping or even dead, or at least they are blind & deaf
They should blacklist him and ban from all Serie A matches and stadiums for life. That should be the punishment for such acts for anyone trying it.
Glad to see someone actually take action and ban this loser for the rest of his life. Hats off to them for acting swiftly and seriously
For now this is enough. But what if this person just hop on to other team and do the same?
I’m just baffle with how slow FIGC handle racism.