China takes Mbappe apology ‘seriously’ after Mao remark

China said it takes Kylian Mbappe’s apology seriously after a joke about Mao Zedong triggered an online backlash and the suspension of La Liga broadcasts on state television. The France captain called his comments ill-judged and apologised in French, Chinese and English. Chinese companies including Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground ended partnerships with him, and his Weibo account was suspended. Real Madrid also faced criticism in China for not publicly reprimanding the player.