Chinese media accuse Real Madrid of double standard
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Nouvelle Tribune
Illustrative image · Simon Reza · Pexels · Licence PexelsChinese media accuse Real Madrid of treating Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior differently, following the club’s apology over the controversy linked to Mao Zedong. They contrast the response with the legal action taken after racist insults against Vinicius at Mestalla in 2023, which led to three supporters being convicted in 2024, according to Foot Mercato and Marca.
Chinese media are accusing Spanish football club Real Madrid of applying a double standard between the controversy sparked by Kylian Mbappé’s remarks about Mao Zedong and the racist insults directed at Vinicius Junior. They have criticised the delay of around 48 hours before the club issued an apology, Foot Mercato reports.
Chinese media are comparing this response with Real Madrid’s reaction to racist insults directed at Vinicius Junior during a match against Valencia on 21 May 2023. The club then took the matter to the Spanish courts and joined the proceedings as a civil party. On 10 June 2024, three supporters involved were sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from stadiums for two years.
According to Marca, some Chinese media believe the club is seeking to protect both Mbappé’s commercial value and its interests in China. The controversy has already led to the termination of the player’s partnerships with Pocari Sweat and Mengniu, while some Chinese platforms have obscured his photos. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Beijing appreciated the player’s apology.
The controversy comes amid the suspension in China of broadcasts of some Spanish league matches. La Liga president Javier Tebas has met the Chinese ambassador to Spain. The boycott of Mbappé despite his apology was maintained on 28 October. Real Madrid apologised to China on 29 October.
