Barcelona and PSG refuse post-match interviews after racist Yamal ‘joke’
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more. Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old Barcelona player, was the target of a racist comment made by a pundit during a live TV broadcast.
Following Yamal’s impressive performance in a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, a pundit from the Spanish broadcaster Movistar made a derogatory “joke” about the young player. This prompted players and coaching staff from both Barcelona and PSG to refuse interviews with the broadcaster in protest. The offensive comment was made while the pundits were discussing Yamal’s skills on the pitch.
The remark insinuated that without success in football, Yamal’s prospects for a successful future were limited. This sparked anger and led to the boycott of interviews with Movistar by both teams. Despite the strong showing by Yamal, the fallout from the racist comment overshadowed the match’s result.
Both Barcelona and PSG made their displeasure known to Movistar, resulting in a lack of post-match interviews with the broadcaster. After the game, head coaches Xavi and Luis Enrique fulfilled their media duties but did not engage with Movistar. Additionally, the players from both teams also refused to speak with the broadcaster in solidarity with Yamal.
The pundit who made the offensive comment later issued an apology, expressing regret for any offense caused. He acknowledged that his remark was not intended to harm and apologized publicly for any offense it may have caused. This incident highlights the impact of racism in football and the importance of standing against discriminatory behavior.
Such actions disrupt the game and overshadow the talents and efforts of players like Lamine Yamal.
