CCTV drops Real Madrid match

China's state broadcaster CCTV skipped a Real Madrid match on Sunday, leaving out a key game from its Spanish football lineup. The decision came even after Kylian Mbappé apologized for his comments regarding the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong. This pause follows a suspension order issued by China Media Group, the parent organization of CCTV.

Mbappé sparked the controversy after saying his favorite meme features his face on a "Chinese dictator" resembling Mao. He made the remark on the French talk show The Bridge. The comment drew sharp criticism from Chinese brands, several of which dropped the striker. It also prompted apologies from Real Madrid and La Liga.

China Media Group stated that the three parties must apologize as a prerequisite to resolve the incident. The group acknowledged the apologies but did not specify how long the broadcast blackout would last. China's foreign ministry said it took Mbappé's apology seriously.

Mbappé issued his apology on Tuesday. He said his comment was ill-judged and that he now understands it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities worldwide. "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.

Mao Zedong is revered by the Communist Party despite his role in the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. He led the party to victory in the civil war and founded the People's Republic of China. He died in 1976. His rule oversaw a famine that killed tens of millions and violent purges across society.

Beijing has previously suspended sports broadcasts over political sensitivities. In October 2019, it pulled NBA games for a year after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted support for Hong Kong protesters. Morey later backtracked, saying he valued the support of Chinese fans and sponsors. He wrote that offending them was not his intention.

Real Madrid won its match against Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Yan Diomande scored the goals.