Milan’s Maignan walks off field after racist chants at Udinese\u060c<\/p>\n
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan left the pitch after being subjected to racist chants from Udinese fans during an Italian Serie A match in Udine, Italy, on Saturday, resulting in led to a brief suspension of the match during the first half.<\/p>\n
Shortly after Milan scored to take a 1-0 lead and Milan was about to take a goal kick, Maignan signaled his teammates to stop, headed towards the The referee then headed towards the touchline.<\/p>\n
After the match, he called for severe sanctions against those responsible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made monkey noises and it\u2019s not the first time this has happened to me,\u201d Maignan, 28, told DAZN.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey must impose very strong sanctions, because talking no longer serves any purpose.<\/p>\n
“We have to say what they are doing is wrong. It's not the whole crowd, most of the fans want to cheer for their team and make fun of you, that's normal, but not this.”<\/p>\n
His teammates tried to console Maignan on the sidelines, but the French international took off his gloves and walked down the tunnel leading out of the field.<\/p>\n
Maignan, who is black, had also reported racist monkey chants to the referee earlier in the match, prompting an announcement in the stadium asking fans to stop.<\/p>\n
The Serie A match resumed around five minutes after the suspension when Maignan and his teammates returned. Milan won 3-2.<\/p>\n