Udinese fans urge crowd to ‘prove we’re not racist’ as Maignan returns in Week 32

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Mike Maignan of AC Milan speaks with referee Fabio Maresca during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Dacia Arena on January 20, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Several Udinese fan clubs are urging their supporters to ‘prove we are not racist’ when Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan returns to the Bluenergy Stadium for the first time since that shocking incident.

Last season, there were repeated racist insults aimed at the goalkeeper from right behind the goal, leading to the activation of the Serie A protocol.

A statement was read out over the loudspeaker warning that play would be halted if it continued, then Maignan heard more and walked off with the referee and his teammates.

Udinese helped to identify four supporters, who were banned for life from the stadium as a result, but tension remains ahead of Maignan’s return to the city on Friday evening for the Serie A Week 32 fixture.

Maignan tension ahead of Udinese match

An insulting banner appeared near the stadium on Tuesday night, sparking reaction from the Udinese fan clubs.

“Friuli, Udine and the Curva Nord are not racist. Let’s prove it,” read a statement from the Curva Nord group.

“Our dissent towards Mike Maignan (because the people of Friuli do not forget), must be expressed in civilised fashion, without falling into discriminatory attitude.

“We must go beyond the more or less planned media coverage, let us make them hear our voices, remaining within the limits of fair play.

“Now and always, Forza Udinese! Let us light up the stadium in black and white, with scarves and flags in the breeze to get back to victory.”

There is a slightly different approach urged by Bepi Marcon, the President of the Association of Udinese Clubs.

“That whole situation was certainly not pleasant,” he told the Gazzettino del Friuli Venezia Giulia newspaper.

“I think the best response is total indifference. Naturally, we are against all types of racism and we condemn it. Maignan’s words last season cast a shadow over all of Friuli, whereas in reality it was an isolated incident, with insults from 4-5 people who were identified and banned by the club.

“Naturally, I hope something similar does not happen again. I imagine there could be jeers for Maignan, but I repeat that indifference is the best response in some cases.”