September 22, (THEWILL) – The scourge of racist abuse in football got called out again this time by AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who has railed against what he believes is a lack of “effective” action to combat racism in football.
Maignan’s call came after he was subjected to racial abuse from Juventus fans in their matchday four Seria A fixture that was officiated over by Daniele Doveri and which ended 1-1 at the Allianz Arena in Turin.
While calling on those with a voice to strive for the necessary change, the 26-year-old French goalkeeper noted that the issue of racism will persist and history will only keep repeating itself unless the problem is properly dealt with decisively.
In his message via his official account on the photosharing online platform Instagram, Maignan captioned his post with the words: “On Sunday evening at Allianz Stadium, Juventus supporters targeted me with racial slurs and cries. What do you want me to say? That racism is wrong and that these supporters are stupid? It’s not about that.
“I am neither the first nor the last player to have this happen. As long as these events are treated as ‘isolated incidents’ and no comprehensive action is taken, history is bound to repeat itself over and over and over again.
“What are we doing to combat racism in football stadiums? Do you really believe it’s effective? I am in a club that strives to lead the way by opposing all forms of discrimination. But we need to be more numerous and to be united in this battle for society which goes beyond football.
“In the proceedings, do the people who decide know what it feels like to hear insults and cries relegating us to the rank of animals? Do they know what it does for our families, for our loved ones who see it and who do not understand that it could still happen in 2021?
“I am not a ‘victim’ of racism. I am Mike, standing, black and proud. As long as we can give our voice to change things, we will.”
THEWILL recalls that players of colour in the English Premier League have also been victims of racial abuse and have spoken out against the perpetrators while calling on the authorities to act more proactively in deterring the increasingly negative behaviours.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
