It is a symbolic proposal in the fight against the scourge of racism which plagues certain stadiums, particularly in Italy. The mayor of Udine Alberto Felice De Toni announced on Sunday that he wanted to give the title of honorary citizen to the goalkeeper of the France team and AC Milan, Mike Maignan, target of racist insults on Saturday during a championship match in the Udinese stadium.
“Udine is not a racist city and has a long history of welcome, solidarity, respect, which is why I personally invited Maignan to come to Udine to participate together in concrete initiatives aimed at the youngest », Declared in a video published on Instagram the councilor of the city of Friuli, located in the north-east of Italy, not far from Slovenia and Austria.
Udine values “cannot be flouted”
“On this occasion, I will propose to the municipal council to give him the title of honorary citizen of our city,” continued the elected official. “Our values cannot be flouted by a few people blinded by racism,” concluded Alberto Felice De Toni.
Saturday, during his team’s match in Udine counting for the 21st day of the Italian Championship, Mike Maignan was the target of racist insults and monkey cries uttered by supporters seated in the stands behind his goal. After initially warning the referee, he then left the field in the 34th minute, imitated by his AC Milan teammates. The match referee immediately interrupted the match which resumed after a five-minute stoppage and which was won 3-2 by AC Milan.
This umpteenth racist incident in an Italian stadium triggered a wave of support from the world of football and, beyond, towards Maignan who for his part urged the authorities on Sunday to take their responsibilities.