Maignan 'serene and strong' despite abuse, says AC Milan coach

English Woman's Journal - Maignan 'serene and strong' despite abuse, says AC Milan coach

SPORTS 26.01.2024

Maignan 'serene and strong' despite abuse, says AC Milan coach / Photo: Piero CRUCIATTI - AFP/File

Mike Maignan, the victim of racist abuse in AC Milan's last match, is "serene and strong" ahead of his next Serie A game, coach Stefano Pioli said on Friday.

Change text size:

"He's also proud of the support he's received from his club but also from the whole football world," Pioli told his press conference on the eve of Milan's home game with Bologna on Saturday. "He has trained very well this week."

Last Sunday, at Udinese, fans racially abused the France goalkeeper.

Maignan walked off the pitch, followed by his team-mates. The match resumed after a five-minute break and Milan went on to win 3-2.

Udinese were ordered to play one match behind closed doors, but have said they will appeal. They also banned for life five fans identified as having abused Maignan.

"Udinese behaved impeccably in handling the situation and the sanctions," said Pioli.

"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of people go to the stadium to experience a moment of sport, to exult, to encourage the players and to show passion. But there are things that cannot be accepted, and the reactions were the right ones on the part of our club and everyone. We had to react firmly."

L.Scott--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Maignan 'serene and strong' despite abuse, says AC Milan coach