Soccer-Milan keeper Maignan calls for sanctions to combat racism

Soccer Football - Serie A - Udinese v AC Milan - Dacia Arena, Udine, Italy - January 20, 2024 AC Milan's Mike Maignan talks to referee Fabio Maresca after allegedly being racially abused by Udinese fans REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini

(Reuters) - Strong sanctions must be implemented to combat racism, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan said after he briefly left the pitch in protest during a 3-2 win in a Serie A match at Udinese on Saturday.

Maignan alerted the referee before leaving the pitch due to repeated racist chants from the local fans, according to Italian media. He was followed by his team mates to the tunnel before returning to the goal after a few minutes.