Mayor of Udine offers honourary citizenship to Milan’s Mike Maignan after racist abuse

The mayor of Udine has now offered an honourary citizenship to Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was racially abused by some Udinese fanns yesterday.

Maignan was called a ‘monkey’ and was subjected to racist chants by a section of Udinese fans yesterday, as Milan picked up a 3-2 win over the Friulani. Maignan spoke to the press after the game, stating that those who racially abused him should not be allowed to attend matches anymore and action must be taken by authorities.

He called on the authorities to take action, stating that they would be responsible, if no action is taken.

Gianluca di Marzio has reported quotes from Udine mayor Alberto Felice De Toni, who has offered honourary citizenship to the goalkeeper. He posted a video on Instagram, stating that he has contacted Milan already and has invited Maignan to the city for holding anti-racism activities for children and at schools.

De Toni stated: “Ours is a city for everyone: Udine is not racist and has a long history of welcoming. This is why I personally invited Maignan to Udine to carry out concrete initiatives dedicated to younger people together, with the support of the Milan Foundation. I will propose to the city council to also grant him honorary citizenship on that occasion.”

He further stated: “I was deeply hurt by what happened yesterday and for this very reason I want to express the solidarity of Udine, of the Friulians and of the Udinese fans who do not feel represented by what happened yesterday.”

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN