2023-10-16 17:59:46
Three days after France’s victory against the Netherlands (2-1), in the Euro qualifiers, the images of the minute of silence in tribute to the victims in Gaza and Israel and to the professor murdered in Arras are still more commented on than the victory of the Kylian Mbappé gang. The cameras actually caught Jean-Clair Todibo, present on the bench for the match, giggling at an inappropriate moment. The defender spoke this Monday during a press briefing to apologize and try to defuse the controversy.
“In no case was I making fun”
“I wanted to express myself today in relation to the extent that the situation is taking, quite simply to explain to you what happened,” explained the OGC Nice player, who took the floor as a preamble before answering a few questions. I don’t think I’m a disrespectful boy. I just want to tell you that I had a nervous laugh during this minute of silence but in no way was I making fun of the current situation. »
Jean-Clair Todibo laughs during the minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and in Arras before the match between France and the Netherlands on October 13, 2023pic.twitter.com/oqQGG7pq6s
— UN TRUC DE FOOT (@untrucdefoot) October 15, 2023
“The context was special,” the man who had joined the Blues group to replace William Saliba then tried to justify. In the stands, we were among the opposing supporters and while going up the stairs, the opposing supporters made certain jokes. That nervous laugh came out. I wanted to apologize to anyone I may have offended. It’s the least I could do, but in no way was I making fun of the situation. » A thesis already defended by certain Internet users when the video went viral.
“It could have been my mother”
“I am touched because it slightly taints the education that my mother gave me. I saw that some people said that I was laughing because I was making fun of the death of a teacher, the 23-year-old defender finally concluded, referring to the assassination of Dominique Bernard at the Gambetta high school. ‘Arras, the morning of the match. My mother has worked in national education for 20 years, I have enormous respect for this profession. It could have been her. »
Appearing at a press conference a few minutes later, Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues, explained that his player had personally apologized to him. “It was his wish to be able to express himself. It took on significant proportions. Obviously he was touched by what followed, he apologized to me. It’s not an attitude to have in these moments, he admitted. It’s not the best situation, but he remains available like the other players for tomorrow’s match (Tuesday against Scotland). »
Earlier in the day, according to information from RMC Sport, the National Ethics Council (CNE) of the French Football Federation had requested explanations by letter from Todibo on his attitude, threatening to refer the matter to the disciplinary committee, in a particularly sensitive context. This weekend, Youcef Atal, another Nice player, also created controversy by relaying a Palestinian preacher’s call to attack Jews.
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