China row: Mbappé apologises over Mao remark, Mourinho backs him

BBC Sport reports Kylian Mbappé apologised after a Mao Zedong remark sparked anger in China, though censorship has left many unsure what he said. Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho says the 'best thing is to keep your mouth shut' but backs the player.

Timeline

1. 29 Oct, 23:03 UTCMourinho comments and backs Mbappé
2. 31 Oct, 17:40 UTCGuardian analysis of Mao's sensitivity in China
3. 31 Oct, 19:10 UTCPicked up on Google Trends
4. 31 Oct, 19:10 UTCBBC Sport explains the row and unclear wording

Top sources

• kylian mbappéGoogle Trends
• josé mourinhoGoogle Trends
• China made Mbappé apologise - but many don't know exactly what he saidBBC
• China made Mbappé apologise - but many don't know exactly what he saidBBC Sport
• 'Best thing is keep your mouth shut' - Mourinho on Mbappe-Mao rowBBC Sport
• China made Real Madrid's Mbappé apologise over Mao remark - but many people don't know exactly what he saidBBC
• Kylian Mbappé’s China crisis shows how sensitive Mao’s legacy remainsThe Guardian