According to a report by CCTV Sports on October 28th, in response to Spanish media reports regarding the stance of Real Madrid, a top Spanish club, towards Mbappé's negative comments related to China, the spokesperson for the China Central Radio and Television General Station's Sports and Youth Center stated as follows:
We have taken note of Real Madrid's public statements. Yesterday and today, representatives from the Spanish football league and other relevant parties have sent multiple letters to the general office expressing their apology. We believe that Mbappe's inappropriate remarks have caused harm to the Chinese people, violating the boundaries and exceeding the scope of freedom of expression. Mbappe is a player of Real Madrid, and the club bears responsibility for this. Therefore, we do not accept Real Madrid's interpretation that Mbappe "never intended to offend and also argues that players have the right to express their personal opinions." We reject such an attitude from Real Madrid.
As for Real Madrid's claim that "the club's relationship with Chinese sponsors remains unchanged," we do not verify its truthfulness. However, we reiterate that any actions or statements that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will naturally be met with resistance from all sectors of Chinese society. We hope that Real Madrid will not indulge in wishful thinking. Until Real Madrid makes sincere apologies, there should be no further discussions.
Recently, Spanish football club Real Madrid player Gareth Bale caused strong dissatisfaction among Chinese fans after making inappropriate comments about China in a French program. After multiple public apologies from Bale and others, Real Madrid Football Club remained silent.
According to Spanish media Okdiario, Real Madrid stated in response to this incident that the club considers the remarks to be the personal statements of the player, and Mbappé has already made a public clarification and formal apology. The club's Chinese sponsor, according to Western media reports, understands the circumstances of the matter, and the business relationship between the two parties remains unchanged and is continuing as normal.
Real Madrid also claimed that Mbappé never intended to offend, and asserted that they respect the players' right to express their personal opinions. This attempt to downplay the issue and treat it perfunctorily has once again sparked controversy.
