Mbappe's Remarks Spark Backlash in China, La Liga Broadcasts Suspended

Comments made by Real Madrid's French star Kylian Mbappe during a television programme have caused a significant stir in China. Asked about the joke that made him laugh most, Mbappe answered by describing a video showing a head being placed on a Chinese dictator. During the programme, footage was shown in which Mbappe's face was superimposed onto images of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Following the remarks, two major Chinese brands announced that they had ended their sponsorship agreements with Mbappe. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that words and actions that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people would be met with opposition from all sectors of society. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV suspended the broadcast of La Liga matches. According to the state newspaper The Global Times, content about the French forward was also removed from CCTV's news applications.

In its statement, La Liga said that Mbappe's remarks were personal and did not represent the league. The statement expressed deep regret over comments that offended Chinese fans, and apologised on behalf of La Liga and all of its clubs. The league said it is addressing the matter with its business partners in China and will implement an awareness protocol to promote respect between cultures.

Mbappe also issued a written statement apologising to the Chinese people for his remarks on the programme. The details of the statement and when the broadcast ban in China will be lifted are not yet known.