Maignan stretchered off — but Udinese fans respond with rare class.
There was a powerful moment of sportsmanship during AC Milan’s 4-0 win at Udinese on Friday, when the home crowd did something few expected.
In the 51st minute, Mike Maignan was stretchered off after a scary head-to-head collision with teammate Álex Jiménez outside the penalty area. But this wasn’t just any injury.
This was Maignan — the same player who walked off the pitch in protest at this very stadium in January 2024, after being targeted by racist chants from the same crowd.
On Friday? They applauded him.
“It impressed me,” Milan coach Sérgio Conceição told Sky Sport.
“They can boo the player, but not the man. That applause was an incredible gesture. In 40 years of football, I’ve seen few like it.”
Maignan appeared to be briefly unconscious and was rushed to hospital for tests. Milan staff and teammates reacted immediately, calling for urgent medical support. No official update has been provided on his condition.
A Win Overshadowed
The Rossoneri, currently sitting 9th in Serie A, delivered one of their more cohesive performances of the season. But Conceição kept the focus on the bigger picture.
“Today we were a team, but it’s only three points,” he said.
“Now we think about Atalanta. There’s still work to do.”
Milan face third-placed Atalanta next, followed by a Coppa Italia semifinal second leg against Inter — a critical fixture that may determine whether the club plays European football next season.
When asked if his side still believes in making Europe, Conceição kept it short:
“We shouldn’t talk too much. Results speak.”
⚠️ Injury Watch: Maignan is undergoing hospital evaluation.
🔜 Next Fixture: AC Milan vs. Atalanta
🏆 Coppa Italia: Milan trail Inter ahead of the semifinal second leg.
Whatever happens next, Friday night was a reminder: some moments in football transcend results.
