This is an update to Real Madrid‘s public apology:

In a dismissal of explanations offered by Real Madrid and La Liga, China Media Group (CMG) – the government-owned media group – doubled down on its vow to stop broadcasting matches involving Mbappé.

“We believe that Mbappé’s outrageous remarks have harmed the Chinese people, crossed a line, and exceeded the scope of freedom of speech,” CMG said.

“Mbappé is a Real Madrid player, and the club bears significant responsibility. Therefore, we do not accept Real Madrid’s explanation that Mbappé ‘never intentionally offended and asserted that players have the right to express their personal opinions’, and we do not accept Real Madrid’s attitude.”

It's a full-on Maoist purge. The irony is too much.

The goal was initially canceled hovewer the VAR found out that only Mussolini's raised right arm was offside so the goal was allowed. Do you agree with the VAR decision?

The day before, La Liga reportedly warned Real Madrid of an upcoming controversy. It was willing to help the Madrid club resolve the issue. However, given the terrible relationship between the two institutions, Real Madrid flatly refused. Its contracts with private Chinese companies were not in jeopardy, even though the club will inevitably be affected, particularly in its jersey sales in the Chinese market, where Mbappé’s name has been the most in-demand so far.

Behind the scenes, some Real Madrid executives were even amused by the situation, curious to see how Tebas would handle it. It’s less amusing, however, for Mbappé’s inner circle, which was flodded with calls on Tuesday. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez took the pulse of the situation. In France, from the FFF, which says it’s monitoring the situation closely and clarifies that “current contracts with our Chinese partners concern the French national team as a whole”, all the way up to the diplomatic level, the phones were ringing off the hook.