MADRID, 23 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Italian club Udinese announced this Monday that it has banned a fan for life for uttering racist insults at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan during last Saturday's Serie A duel, which caused the Frenchman to leave the field.
The club launched an investigation after the international goalkeeper left the field of play during the first half of the clash between the two and after indicating to referee Fabio Maresca that he had heard racist insults from the stands.
“In collaboration with local police authorities and using the security cameras of the Bluenergy Stadium, Udinese Calcio has identified the first person responsible for the discriminatory behavior towards AC Milan player Mike Maignan,” Udinese confirmed in a statement.
The Italian team assured that this person “will face a lifetime ban from attending any match”, a ban that “comes into effect immediately.” “We believe that such strong measures are necessary to send a clear message that racism has no place in football or society,” he stressed.
“Udinese firmly opposes 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 tirelessly to identify and sanction others who were involved in this incident and that tarnish the sporting ethics of the club, the Region, the city and a fan that has always been a model of integration and respect,” he added.
The club underlined its desire for its stadium to “remain a space where everyone, regardless of ethnicity, origin, culture and language, can enjoy the beautiful game without fear of discrimination” and called on “all football stakeholders to to unite in the fight against racism and discrimination, fostering an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion.