Kylian Mbappe has sent France goalkeeper Mike Maignan a supportive message after the AC Milan stopper was the victim of alleged racist chants.
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Mbappe sends Maignan a message of support AC Milan v Udinese had to be briefly suspendedRacism still pervades footballWHAT HAPPENED?
Just after the half-hour mark of AC Milan's game at Udinese, Maignan reported that he had been the target of racist chanting by the home supporters and walked off the pitch. The game resumed after a short stoppage and Maignan's side went on to win 3-2. After the game, Maignan received messages of support from the footballing world.
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Posting on X, Mbappe said: "You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan. We are all with you. Still the same problems and still NO solution. Enough is enough !!!!!!!!!!!! NO TO RACISM. ⛔️✊🏽"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Racism continues to pervade football in Italy and across Europe. Napoli and Nigeria star forward, Victor Osimhen, called on the Italian footballing authorities to do more to tackle racism in football after he, Kalidou Koulibaly and Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa were abused away at Fiorentina. Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr has been a constant target of racist abuse, while Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes were subjected to vile comments on social media after Newcastle's victory against Arsenal.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Mbappe is not the only source of support for Maignan. During the game, eternal rivals Milan and Inter jointly condemned the racist chanting, with ex-Arsenal star Ian Wright also backing the players' decision to walk off the field on Saturday. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against those responsible.