Shock as China ban LaLiga after Mbappe ‘dictator’ comments

He replied: “The one that made me laugh the most is the one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator. I use it a lot with my friends.”

Football WATCH: Yamal, Mbappe reactions as Harry Kane claims Ballon d'Or The remark, widely interpreted as a reference to Mao, triggered an immediate backlash in China.

🚨🇨🇳 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 | Chinese state television have SUSPENDED all La Liga broadcasts following controversy with Kylian Mbappé, reports @EFEnoticias. 📺❌ Several Chinese brands have dropped French footballer Kylian Mbappé as backlash grew online over alleged comments by him referring to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, further adds @BBCSport.

Several major Chinese brands, including beverage giant Dongpeng and dairy companies Mengniu and Milkground, also terminated their sponsorship deals with the player, citing “zero tolerance” for actions that hurt national feelings.

Mbappe has now issued a public apology. “During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself.

“My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world,” he said.

“I apologise to everyone my words have upset. This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history, and I am sincerely sorry.”

LaLiga president Javier Tebas also apologised on behalf of the league, stressing that Mbappe’s comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent Spanish football.