'Totally abhorrent': Racist abuse towards AC Milan and Coventry City players sparks international outcry

Racist abuse aimed at football players at two separate matches has triggered an international outcry, with demands for the sport to “take action”.

Two matches – one in Italy and one in England – were paused on Saturday after racist remarks from fans

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Coventry City midfielder Kasey Palmer both paused their respective games and spoke to the referees on Saturday after they were subjected to offensive gestures and noises.

Palmer, 27, was seen going to retrieve the ball from behind the goal during the closing stages of Coventry City’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, before sharply turning away and motioning towards referee Anthony Backhouse and pointing towards the crowd at Hillsborough.

Palmer pointed to the crowd as he told the referee about the gesture. Pic: Sky Sports

He appeared to indicate an individual had made a monkey sign towards him. A bottle thrown from the stand also appeared to strike another Coventry player.

Meanwhile, AC Milan players followed Maignan as he walked off the pitch at Udinese’s Bluenergy Stadium in Italy, after he said individuals in the crowd made monkey chants towards him.

Palmer said individuals made monkey chants towards him. Pic: Sky Sports

The incidents have triggered a backlash across the sport.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described what happened at both games as “totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable”.

He called for the implementation of an “automatic forfeit” for any team whose fans have committed racism and caused a match to be abandoned, “as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists”.

He said: “FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism. No to any form of discrimination.

“The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support.

“We need all the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society.”

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan returned to the pitch after the match was stopped

After the match at Hillsborough, Palmer said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter: “Disappointed to even have to come on here & write this. Racism is a disgrace… it has no place in the world, let alone football.

Mbappe posted on X in support. Pic: X

“I’m black and proud, and I am raising my three kids to be the exact same. I’ll be honest, it feels like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.

“Couple fans doing monkey chants don’t define a fan base – I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received.”

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Coventry manager Mark Robins said it was part of the game for supporters to “have a go” at managers, coaches or players, but racism “oversteps”.

“Nobody should have to deal with that, nobody in society,” he said. “There is no place in society for it. I’m hoping they have a clear picture of what has gone on and they deal with it properly, because that is just out of order.”

Later, in a joint statement, both Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened by the racist gesture” and “roundly condemn any form of discrimination and abuse”.

They said they were working with “relevant authorities” and “expect action to be taken against any supporter identified”.

‘We are appalled’

During the match at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Maignan 28, was seen remonstrating with referee Fabio Maresca before taking off his gloves and walking off. As he walked down the tunnel leading off the pitch, he was followed by his teammates.

He had also told the referee about monkey chants earlier in the match, prompting an announcement in the stadium asking fans to stop.

Following the match, AC Milan said in a post on X that “there is absolutely no place in our game for racism”.

“We are appalled. We are with you, Mike,” the club said, while the Serie A League said it “condemns all forms of racism”.

Fierce rivals Inter Milan also showed solidarity, posting on X: “We are brothers of the world, against all forms of discrimination. By your side @mmseize.”

‘Points deductions needed, fines are pointless’

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and England’s Ian Wright later posted messages of support, with Mbappe telling Maignan he is “very far from being alone… we are all with you”.

Former Arsenal forward Wright added: “Solidarity from the rest of the team. Keep walking off!! We did ‘playing through it’ and nothing has changed. Points deductions needed, the fines are pointless.”

Udinese’s Federico Balzaretti said: “I have been here in Udine for months and these are an extraordinary people.

“It is the most multi-ethnic club possible, it is a city that gives an example of integration to everyone and it is clear that we will take action against the person or people responsible for these gestures. Obviously it is not all the fans who are responsible.

“We do not tolerate any form of racism, the prosecutor’s office will investigate what happened, whether it had been a single person or in case there were more. Nobody tolerates any form of racism, the club first and foremost and it will take action.”