Alleged racist remarks targeted at footballers in two separate matches have sparked international outrage and calls for the sport to “take action”.
AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Coventry City midfielder Casey Palmer temporarily suspended their matches on Saturday and lodged a complaint with the referees after being subjected to alleged racist abuse.
Palmer (27 years old) was seen recovering the ball from behind the goal during the closing stages of Coventry City's 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, before turning away sharply and moving towards referee Anthony Backhouse before pointing towards the fans at Hillsborough.
He appeared to indicate that one of the individuals had made a monkey gesture towards him. A bottle thrown from the stand also appears to have injured another Coventry player.
Palmer pointed to the crowd as he told the referee about the alleged gesture. Image: Sky Sports
Meanwhile, Milan players followed Maignan as is He left the field At the Blunergy Stadium in Udinese, Italy, after members of the crowd allegedly made monkey chants at him.
These events sparked outrage across the sport, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who described what happened in both matches as “absolutely abhorrent and completely unacceptable”.
The head of the governing body called for the implementation of “automatic confiscation” of any team whose fans committed racism and caused the match to be canceled, “in addition to banning stadiums around the world and bringing criminal charges against racists.”
He called on all relevant stakeholders to “take action”, adding: “FIFA and football show full solidarity with the victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!”
Palmer claimed individuals made monkey chants at him. Image: Sky Sports
After the match at Hillsborough, Palmer said in a statement on Channel
“I'm black and proud, and I'm raising my three kids to be just like them. I'll be honest, it seems like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.”
“A fan couple doing monkey chants does not define the fan base – I appreciate all the love and support I have received.”
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Coventry manager Mark Robins said “dealing” with managers, coaches or players was part of the game for fans, but racism “goes beyond”.
“No one should have to deal with that, no one in the community. There's no place in the community for that. I hope they have a clear picture of what happened and they deal with it properly, because this is out of order.” ,” He said.
Later, in a joint statement, Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened by this racist gesture” and “strongly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse.”
They said they were working with “relevant authorities” and “expect action to be taken against any identified supporter.”
“We are terrified”
After the match in Italy, AC Milan said in a post on X that there is “absolutely no place for racism in our game”.
Milan player Mike Maignan returns to the field after the match was stopped
The club said: “We are horrified. We are with you, Mike,” while the Italian League said it “condemns all forms of racism.”
Fierce rival Inter Milan also showed solidarity, posting on X: “We are brothers of the world, against all forms of discrimination. On your side @mmseize.”
Mbappe posted on X in support. Image: X
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe and Englishman Ian Wright later backed Maignane by previously writing: “You are very far from being alone Mike Maignane. We are all with you. Still the same problems and no solution yet. Enough!!!!!!!!! !!! No to Racism.”
Former Arsenal striker Wright added: “Solidarity from the rest of the team. Keep coming out!! We've played through it and nothing has changed. Point deductions are needed, fines are meaningless.”
During the match at the Blue Energy Stadium in Udine, Maignan, 28, was seen protesting to referee Fabio Maresca before taking off his gloves and leaving the field. As he walked into the tunnel leading outside the stadium, his teammates followed him.
The referee also reported the alleged monkey chants earlier in the match, which led to an announcement at the stadium asking fans to stop.
Udinese player Federico Balzaretti said: “I have been here in Udine for months and these are extraordinary people.
“It is the most multiracial club, it is a city that sets an example of inclusion for everyone and it is clear that we will take action against the person or persons responsible for these gestures. It is clear that it is not all fans who are responsible.
“We do not tolerate any form of racism. The Public Prosecutor's Office will investigate what happened, whether it was one person or if there were more. No one tolerates any form of racism. The club first and foremost will take appropriate action.” “
