China's state television network, CCTV, did not broadcast the latest La Liga football matches this Saturday. This decision follows a recent controversy involving Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who was recorded in a viral video referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong as a dictator. Although Mbappe, his football club, and the Spanish league officials issued formal apologies, and the Chinese foreign ministry acknowledged these statements, the broadcaster refrained from airing the games. It remains uncertain if the matches were removed from the schedule or never planned for broadcast. The affected fixtures included Villarreal's match against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid's encounter with Levante. This development underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the player's remarks despite the subsequent efforts by involved parties to address the diplomatic friction.
Source : Hong Kong Free Press
Photo : Hong Kong Free Press
