AC Milan interrupted their Serie A match against Bologna in the 16th minute on Saturday to show solidarity for goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who was subjected to racial insults the previous weekend.
Milan’s 3-2 victory over Udinese last Saturday was cut short when the players walked off the pitch in protest of the insults directed at Maignan, who wears No. 16.
The incident prompted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to urge for games to be lost by teams whose supporters engage in racist behavior.
During the stoppage in play, a statement from Martin Luther King was flashed on the large screen at San Siro, reading: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can.”
Udinese has banned five fans for life and ordered them to play one home game behind closed doors as a result of the event.
“Today’s initiative demonstrates our unshakable commitment to the fight against hate and bigotry. “As a club, we have zero tolerance for discrimination,” declared Giorgio Furlani, AC Milan’s CEO.
