{
  "id": 17700519,
  "title": "Chinese state TV fails to air Real Madrid match after Mbappe row",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/chinese-state-tv-fails-to-air-real-madrid-match-after-mbappe-row-17700519",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-01T22:47:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/11/02/chinese-state-tv-fails-to-air-real-madrid-match-after-mbappe-row"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chinese state broadcaster CCTV failed to air a Real Madrid LaLiga match on Sunday following remarks made by star player Kylian Mbappe. The 26-year-old French forward caused controversy by referring to Mao Zedong as a \"dictator\" in a viral video. This sparked outrage in China, prompting CCTV's parent company China Media Group to suspend LaLiga broadcasts, stating that an apology from Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga was required before they could resume. However, it is unclear if discussions to resolve the situation have been initiated. Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga later issued apologies for his remarks, which are considered highly sensitive in China, where joking about Mao, who died in 1976, is considered taboo. China has previously cut ties with the NBA over comments deemed politically sensitive.",
  "summary": "A viral video showing Kylian Mbappe referring to former leader Mao Zedong as a 'dictator' has caused a furore in China, prompting a halt to LaLiga broadcasts.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Thierry Henry in awe of Real Madrid superstar after Clasico performance: ‘Absolutely incredible’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/thierry-henry-in-awe-of-real-madrid-superstar-after-clasico",
        "published": "2026-10-29T10:22:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Mourinho rules out Alexander-Arnold exit from Real Madrid despite reduced role",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/mourinho-rules-out-alexander-arnold-exit-from-real-madrid-despite",
        "published": "2026-11-01T14:53:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "El Pais",
        "title": "Racing - Real Madrid live | The match begins at El Sardinero",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/racing-real-madrid-en-directo-comienza-el-encuentro-en-el-sardinero",
        "published": "2026-11-01T15:26:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Real Madrid extend winning run with 3-0 victory at Racing Santander",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/real-madrid-extend-winning-run-with-3-0-victory-at-racing-santander",
        "published": "2026-11-01T17:29:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "La Liga: Mbappe strikes as Real Madrid beat Santander 3-0",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/la-liga-mbappe-strikes-as-real-madrid-beat-santander-3-0",
        "published": "2026-11-01T18:44:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}