Real Madrid has issued a formal apology in China over Kylian Mbappé's comments about Mao Zedong, saying it regretted any "discomfort" they caused, after its first response did not ease public anger there, the South China Morning Post reports.
The club's statement on Wednesday came a day after the French striker's own apology. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV Sports had rejected Real Madrid's initial explanation, suspended coverage of La Liga matches and removed programmes and adverts featuring Mbappé, while demanding apologies from both club and player. CCTV also said La Liga president Javier Tebas had written to condemn the player's conduct.
Real Madrid said it deeply respected China and its fans and backed Mbappé's apology. The row began with a video in which he described a meme showing his face on Mao's body. Several Chinese sponsors have ended deals with him.
Source: South China Morning Post
