Italian football club Udinese have been ordered to play a match behind closed doors following the racist abuse directed at AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan on Saturday.
AC Milan players walked off the pitch after the chanting was heard during their match against Udinese, with play being suspended for about 10 minutes.
A man suspected of shouting racist abuse at Maignan has been banned from every football stadium in Italy for five years.
The 46-year-old was also said to be a known criminal in the province of Udine, Sky News understands.
In addition to the nationwide sanction imposed by the Udine Public Prosecutor’s office, Udinese has banned him from its Bluenergy Stadium for life.
Police are looking at CCTV and social media to try to identify any others who may have been involved.
Maignan remonstrated with referee Fabio Maresca
Maignan, 28, was born in French Guiana but grew up in Paris and plays for the France national team.
He was seen remonstrating with referee Fabio Maresca before removing his gloves and walking off, his teammates following as he went down the tunnel.
Read more:
Football racist abuse should ‘trigger automatic match forfeit’
Maignan also told the referee about alleged monkey chants earlier in the match, prompting an announcement in the stadium asking fans to stop.
“They made monkey noises and it’s not the first time it’s happened to me,” Maignan told DAZN after the game.
Udinese has vowed to identify those who racially abused him.
