OFFICIAL: AC Milan Condemn Racist Abuse Targeting Mike Maignan After Bournemouth Red Card

AC Milan have strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Mike Maignan on social media following the goalkeeper's controversial red card during Thursday's Europa League defeat to Bournemouth.

The French international was sent off after just 27 minutes at the Vitality Stadium, leaving Milan to play the majority of the match with 10 men.

Bournemouth went on to win 3–0, but the incident involving Maignan was followed by a separate and more serious issue away from the pitch.

Milan Stand Behind Maignan

AC Milan released an official statement on Friday condemning the racist abuse aimed at their captain.

The club described the abuse as “serious and unacceptable” and reiterated that racism and discrimination have no place in football.

Milan also expressed their full solidarity and support for Maignan while reaffirming their commitment to respect, inclusion and equality.

The club called for unity among Milan supporters and within Italian football, stressing that competition must be accompanied by dignity and mutual respect.

Maignan Apologises After Bournemouth Red Card

The Milan captain had already addressed Thursday's incident himself.

Maignan said his action against Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams was not intentional, explaining that he was trying to create space inside his penalty area.

However, the goalkeeper acknowledged that the incident created a negative image, particularly for younger supporters watching the match.

He also expressed regret at leaving his teammates to play with 10 men for more than an hour.

What Happened Against Bournemouth?

Maignan's night ended prematurely in the 27th minute after he made contact with Adams as Bournemouth prepared to take a corner.

The referee showed the Milan goalkeeper a straight red card.

Justin Kluivert converted the resulting penalty to put Bournemouth ahead, before Marcus Tavernier scored from another penalty after the break.

Amine Adli then completed Bournemouth's 3–0 victory with a late free-kick.

The defeat was therefore a difficult night on the pitch for Milan, but the subsequent racist abuse directed at their captain prompted the club to make its position clear.

Milan's Message Goes Beyond One Match

The club's response places the incident within a much wider fight against racism in football.

Maignan has previously experienced racist abuse during his career in Italy, including the notorious incident at Udinese in January 2024 that briefly caused Milan's players to leave the pitch.

Milan's latest statement makes clear that criticism of a player's performance or actions cannot cross into racist abuse.

For the Rossoneri, the focus now turns back to football, but their message concerning Maignan is unequivocal: discrimination has no place on or off the pitch.

Maignan Now Faces the Consequences on the Pitch

Maignan will miss Milan's upcoming match against Ferencváros as a result of his dismissal, while the full disciplinary consequences of the red card will be determined separately.

The goalkeeper will therefore have to watch from the sidelines after an eventful European night that began with a controversial dismissal and ended with Milan suffering a heavy defeat.

But away from the disciplinary debate, Milan have made their position clear in defending their captain against racist abuse.