AC Milan condemn racist abuse aimed at Mike Maignan after Bournemouth defeat

AC Milan have strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at goalkeeper Mike Maignan on social media after he was sent off during Thursday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth in the Europa League.

Maignan was targeted online in the hours following the match, prompting the Italian club to issue a statement on Friday.

“Following yesterday’s match against Bournemouth, Mike Maignan was the target of serious and unacceptable racist insults on social media,” AC Milan said.

“The club strongly condemns all forms of racism and discrimination, which have no place on or off the pitch, and expresses its full solidarity with and support for Mike.”

The France international was dismissed in the 27th minute after pushing Tyler Adams in the face while Bournemouth were preparing to take a corner.

Marcus Tavernier converted the resulting penalty, helping the home side secure a comfortable victory against an AC Milan team forced to play with 10 men.

Maignan later said on his social media accounts on Friday that his action towards the Bournemouth player had not been intentional.

This is not the first time the goalkeeper has experienced racist abuse. In January 2024, he led his team-mates off the pitch in Udine after being targeted by supporters in the stands. The match was briefly suspended as a result.

AC Milan also appealed to supporters who were frustrated by Thursday’s result to direct their anger in a responsible and appropriate way.

The club concluded its statement by saying: “We must remain united as AC Milan supporters and as representatives of Italian football. We all want to win, but we must do so in the right way, with dignity, mutual respect and class.”