FC Barcelona and PSG Refuse Post-Match Interviews with Movistar Over Racist Comment

FC Barcelona declined to participate in post-match interviews with Spanish broadcaster Movistar following their 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. The decision was made in response to a controversial comment made on the channel’s pre-match coverage involving young talent Lamine Yamal.

In a segment showcasing Lamine’s skills during warm-up, one commentator jokingly remarked that if his football career didn’t succeed, he might end up at a traffic light. The statement, interpreted as racially insensitive, insinuated that Lamine, a player of Moroccan and Equatoguinean heritage, could resort to selling items at traffic lights if not for his football career.

The remark sparked outrage, prompting both FC Barcelona and PSG to boycott post-match interviews with Movistar. Presenter Ricardo Sierra acknowledged the teams’ decision, stating that they were deeply upset by the comment and chose not to engage with the broadcaster as a result.

“Football is like life,” former Argentina national team goalkeeper and Movistar commentator made the controversial comment while discussing Lamine’s skills, leading to the subsequent fallout. In response to the backlash, he publicly apologized for any offense caused and clarified that his intention was not to harm anyone.