Real Madrid face backlash in China after mentioning Tibet in a message of solidarity with flood victims.
Chinese state media have hit out at Real Madrid over a tribute published by the club in memory of the victims of devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet.
The Spanish giants shared the message across social media ahead of their clash with Málaga, following a minute’s silence observed at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the joint mention of “Nepal and Tibet” triggered controversy in China.
The Global Times claimed the phrasing could “fuel separatist narratives” and urged Real Madrid to adopt the terminology endorsed by Chinese authorities. According to Tribuna, the backlash follows the floods on 26 August, which were caused by the collapse of a glacier in Nepal and also affected Gyirong County.