Barcelona and PSG reject post-match interviews after racist ‘joke’ aimed at Lamine Yamal

Both Barcelona and PSG boycotted their media responsibilities with a broadcaster.

Players and coaching staff from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain turned down the chance to speak with Spanish broadcaster Movistar after a racist “joke” was made about 16-year-old Lamine Yamal live on air. Yamal helped Barcelona to a 3-2 win in Paris in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final during his breakthrough season.

His trivela cross helped set up Raphinha’s opener and the teenager was a constant threat to Nuno Mendes throughout the evening, before being substituted off for Joao Felix in the second half. Earlier in the night as Movistar broadcasted the players warming up, one of their pundits was impressed by the winger’s talent as he juggled the ball on the Parc des Princes pitch.

“Look at the quality, look at the touches from Lamine Yamal,” they said, before fellow pundit German ‘Mono’ Burgos replied with: “If he doesn’t do well, he ends up at a traffic light.”

The former Atletico Madrid and Argentina goalkeeper, who previously worked as an assistant coach to Diego Simeone, had suggested that Yamal had little chance of becoming rich and successful without football. His comment sparked laughter from the other TV guests.

Players, staff and officials from both Barcelona and PSG were made aware of Burgos’ comment and they made it clear to Movistar that neither team would be speaking to the broadcaster at full-time.

Presenter Ricardo Sierra explained: “I understand that many spectators expected us to have a conversation or interview with Barca. But PSG and Barca have notified us that they were not going to attend to us because they were tremendously angry with a comment that was made on our set.”

Yamal had set up ex-Leeds star Raphinha to score the opening goal, before PSG hit back twice through Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha just after half-time. Substitute Pedri then set up Raphina with a stunning pass with one of his first touches to create Barcelona’s equaliser, before Andreas Christensen ensured that the away side would travel back to the Nou Camp with a lead after heading home a corner.

Once the game had ended, head coaches Xavi and Luis Enrique took part in their respective media duties but snubbed Movistar. The broadcaster was not spoken to by players from either Barcelona or PSG either.

Burgos did later reportedly apologise for his comment about Yamal. Spanish outlet Marca claim that the 35-cap Argentine said: “I wish I had had the ability that this boy has. It was a comment (made) without trying to hurt anyone. We talk about football, nothing more.

“If you or anyone has felt offended, I am sorry and I apologise publicly. It wasn’t the intention. Sometimes by doing humour you get into trouble. In these times you have to adapt to everything and that’s what we’re in.”