Real Madrid's initial response to Mbappe storm fuels Chinese fans' ire

It seems the apologies have done little to defuse the anger, as the fallout from Kylian Mbappe's controversial remarks continues to reverberate, with Chinese fans left fuming over his club's hands-off stance.

Although eventually having to apologize for the "discomfort" caused by its star player's recent words, Real Madrid had initially tried to distance itself from the controversy surrounding Mbappe, as the club stressed in an earlier report published by Spanish news outlet Okdiario that the consequence of Mbappe's "personal expression" would not affect its commercial connections with China.

"The club joins the public apology expressed by Kylian Mbappe, in which the player himself has conveyed his regret for his words and reiterated his respect for the Chinese people," said a statement released by Real Madrid on Wednesday.

"Real Madrid reaffirms its commitment to the values of respect, coexistence, and understanding among cultures, and expresses its desire to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and affection that unite it with China and its citizens."

Its earlier comments reported by the Spanish online news portal, however, fell flat with Chinese fans of the club.

According to the report, the club said that the contentious comment was Mbappe's personal view and did not represent Real Madrid. It argued the French striker had no intent to cause offence, citing Mbappe's personal apology issued on Tuesday, while recognizing that its players have freedom of expression.

The outcry, caused by Mbappe reacting to a meme that was seen by many in China as mocking a revered historical figure during an episode of The Bridge podcast, has resulted in three Chinese sponsors cutting immediate ties with the French football star.

Real Madrid, however, had attempted to draw a clear line between Mbappe's personal losses and the club's commercial operations in China, saying in the report that the incident has not impacted the club's cooperation with its Chinese sponsors.

The club said sponsors, according to the report, "understand the circumstances" and "there is no breach of their agreements, nor a change in those relationships".

Despite the comments, Chinese home appliance manufacturer Hisense, as Real Madrid's official sponsor in the Spanish market, was keen to assert its position on how seriously it considered the matter.

"The company promptly sent a formal email to senior management of Real Madrid to condemn the incident and solemnly state our position. The club has formally replied, saying it takes the matter seriously and is conducting an internal review," Hisense said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon.

The club's initial, detached and hands-off stance contrasted with that of La Liga president Javier Tebas, who issued a direct apology to Chinese stakeholders on Tuesday and later held talks with China's ambassador to Spain in a bid to safeguard the league's China-related cooperation, including broadcast rights and youth football projects that are set to run until 2029.

Real Madrid's seemingly nonchalant response in the Okdiario report provoked further ire from the club's Chinese fans, who were quick to brand the comments as arrogant and disrespectfully aloof.

The hashtag "Real Madrid claims Mbappe represents himself" was the top trending topic Chinese social media platform Weibo, having racked up over 7.5 million views by Wednesday afternoon, with majority of fans requiring the club to take a more responsible attitude, rather than shifting responsibility to the player alone.

Having already decided to suspend broadcast of La Liga competitions involving Real Madrid, the China Media Group, the parent company of China Central Television, issued another statement on Wednesday condemning the club's comments to Okdiario.

"We have noted Real Madrid's public remarks. Over the past two days, the president of La Liga and other relevant parties have sent multiple letters to CMG to extend their public apologies," said a statement released by CMG's sports and youth center.

"As Mbappe is a Real Madrid player, the club cannot escape accountability. Therefore, we do not accept Real Madrid's explanation, nor can we accept such an attitude from the club ... We reiterate that words and deeds that hurt the feelings of the Chinese people will inevitably meet with collective boycotts from all sectors of Chinese society."

It closed its statement by saying: "Nothing can be discussed until Real Madrid issues a sincere and adequate apology."

That apology came late on Wednesday evening, with CMG, Hisense and other parties yet to respond.