AC MILAN goalkeeper Mike Maignan claimed he was racially abused by Cagliari fans on Saturday.
The Serie A table toppers’ 1-0 away win was marred by ugly scenes after the full time whistle.
Maignan confronted Cagliari players after the game Credit: AP
Milan manager Pioli attempted to calm Maignan down Credit: Rex
A mass brawl broke out after the game Credit: AFP Maignan cupped his hand to his ear in front of the Cagliari fans following the victory, sparking a furious reaction both in the stands and on the pitch, according to Football Italia.
A mass brawl ensued as players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and coaches from both sides confronted each other.
Maignan himself looked visibly distressed as he was led off the pitch, with Milan boss Stefano Pioli later revealing the French stopper claimed he had been racially abused.
When asked about the commotion, Pioli told reporters: “Mike told me there was racist abuse from behind the goal.
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Leclerc leading Verstappen in F1 season opener as Hamilton falls in grid “It’s always sad when these things happen, nobody deserves that.”
Meanwhile Cagliari skipper Joao Pedro claimed he hadn’t heard any abuse and defended the home crowd.
Pedro said: “I didn’t hear anything. That is a very delicate matter, but I was basically in midfield at the time.
“This is not a pleasant situation to talk about, but I have been here for eight years and I will defend the fans because I did not hear anything.”
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A solitary Ismael Bennacer strike settled the game at Cagliari’s Sardinia Arena.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea man Olivier Giroud perfectly cushioned the ball into Bennacer’s path, with the midfielder superbly volleying home from the edge of the area.
The result maintains AC Milan’s three-point cushion over Napoli at the top of Serie A.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
