Chinese state TV fails to air Real Madrid match after Mbappe row
Mbappe, Real and La Liga later all said sorry for his remarks, and China's foreign ministry said it took the player's apology "seriously".
During a La Liga match between Real Madrid and Racing Santander on November 1, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV refrained from airing the game, following comments made by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. The remarks sparked controversy in China, with Mbappe drawing a comparison between former leader Mao Zedong and a dictator. Mbappe, Real Madrid, and La Liga subsequently apologized for the remarks, and China's foreign ministry acknowledged the players' apologies as serious.
La Liga, Real Madrid, and Mbappe all later expressed regret over the incident. However, the match was not broadcast on CCTV's sports channels, nor on Migu, a digital streaming service owned by China Mobile. China Media Group, which oversees CCTV, had suspended La Liga broadcasts, demanding apologies from all parties involved before resuming coverage.
The incident highlights the political sensitivity surrounding references to Mao Zedong in China, where such jokes are considered taboo. Major Chinese brands also severed ties with Mbappe following his controversial comments.
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