Chinese state TV snubs Madrid match despite Mbappé apology
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Punch Newspaper
Reported by Gilbert Ekugbe
Mon, 2 Nov 2026, 05:33
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Source Attribution: Punch Newspaper
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China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday. China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organisation, had announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following widespread backlash over Mbappé’s comments.
Context & Background
✦Mbappé later apologised, admitting that his comments were ill-judged and acknowledging that they had hurt many people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Monday:China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday.Sunday:The decision came on Sunday as Real Madrid faced Racing Santander in a La Liga fixture, which they won 3-0, with Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande finding the net.Tuesday:China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organisation, had announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following widespread backlash over Mbappé’s comments.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday.
✦China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organisation, had announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following widespread backlash over Mbappé’s comments.
✦Mbappé later apologised, admitting that his comments were ill-judged and acknowledging that they had hurt many people in China and Chinese communities around the world.
Key Facts:Monday: China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday.Sunday: The decision came on Sunday as Real Madrid faced Racing Santander in a La Liga fixture, which they won 3-0, with Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande finding the net.Tuesday: China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organisation, had announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following widespread backlash over Mbappé’s comments.
Editorial Excerpt
China's state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the key takeaway from this report?
China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday.
What additional context is highlighted in this report?
China Media Group (CMG), CCTV’s parent organisation, had announced last Tuesday that it would suspend broadcasts of Spanish La Liga matches following widespread backlash over Mbappé’s comments.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
China’s state broadcaster CCTV has refused to air a Real Madrid match despite an apology from French striker Kylian Mbappé over his controversial remarks about the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong, according to the BBC on Monday.
