...Real Madrid Issues Fresh Apology to China
LaLiga is seeking to ease tensions with China after Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé sparked controversy with a joke about a meme depicting him as former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, prompting a suspension of Spanish football broadcasts and the withdrawal of commercial partnerships.
Real Madrid has apologised to the Chinese people over Mbappé’s controversial remarks after the club’s initial response failed to quell public anger in China. The apology, published on the club’s website on Wednesday, expressed regret for “any discomfort” caused by the French footballer’s comments, a day after Mbappé issued his own public apology.
China Media Group, which operates state broadcaster CCTV, suspended its LaLiga broadcasts and removed programmes and advertisements featuring Mbappé. CCTV Sports also demanded formal apologies from both the club and the player, rejecting Real Madrid’s initial explanation as inadequate.
According to CCTV Sports, LaLiga president Javier Tebas wrote to the broadcaster on Tuesday, condemning Mbappé’s conduct and apologising for the incident.
“I wish to express immediately and unequivocally our condemnation of the conduct of the player Kylian Mbappe. This is unacceptable behaviour and does not represent the values of our competition or Spanish football,” Tebas wrote, according to CCTV.
“We understand the outrage this incident has caused in China and deeply regret the offence caused.”
Real Madrid said it held deep respect for China, its history, culture and citizens, as well as the millions of Chinese fans who support the Spanish club.
“Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence and understanding among cultures,” the club said, adding that it hoped to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection between the club and China.
The club also expressed support for Mbappé’s public apology, in which the striker conveyed regret over his comments and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people.
The controversy erupted after a video circulated widely on social media showing Mbappé discussing his favourite meme featuring himself. In the clip, he referred to “a Chinese dictator” before showing an altered image of his face superimposed on Mao Zedong’s body in a blue suit.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism online and prompted several major Chinese companies to terminate their commercial partnerships with the French football star.
Among the companies to sever ties with Mbappé were energy drinks giant Eastroc Beverage and Mengniu Dairy. Swiss sportswear brand On, which signed the footballer as a global ambassador just weeks earlier, has reportedly removed all references to him from its Chinese social media accounts.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun also weighed in on Tuesday, saying remarks or actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would “naturally face collective opposition from all sectors of Chinese society”.
A CCTV Sports spokesman said Mbappé’s “inappropriate remarks” had hurt the Chinese people and crossed a red line, going beyond the bounds of freedom of expression.
The spokesman argued that, as a Real Madrid player, Mbappé’s conduct also placed responsibility on the club. He rejected Real Madrid’s initial explanation that the player had “never intended to cause offence” and that “players were entitled to express their personal views”.
“We hope Real Madrid will stop wishful thinking. Until the club offers an adequate apology, there is nothing further to discuss,” he said.
Mbappé issued a public apology on social media later on Tuesday. In a statement written in French, Chinese and English, he said he was “sincerely sorry” for his comment and stressed that he had deep respect for the Chinese people and Chinese history.
“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said.
The controversy has placed pressure on Real Madrid and LaLiga to repair relations with Chinese broadcasters, commercial partners and supporters as the fallout continues to affect the Spanish competition’s presence in one of the world’s largest sports markets.
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