Spanish TV Channel Cuts Ties with Pundit Germán Burgos Over Offensive Remark Towards Lamine Yamal
In a bold move, Spanish television network Movistar Plus+ announces the termination of collaboration with pundit and ex-Atlético Madrid assistant coach Germán Burgos after his disparaging remarks directed at rising Barcelona talent, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. The decision comes in response to the controversial comment made by Germán Burgos, signaling a clear stance against disrespectful behavior in the sports industry.
Spanish television channel Movistar Plus+ has announced that they will no longer be collaborating with pundit and former Atlético Madrid assistant coach Germán Burgos. This decision comes after Burgos made a derogatory comment about 16-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal.
Burgos made the comment when he saw images of Yamal juggling a football before Barcelona’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. He said, "If it [his football career] doesn’t go well, he’ll end up at a traffic light."
In Spain and Latin America, it is common to see people selling small items or performing tricks like juggling footballs at traffic lights to earn money. Burgos, originally from Argentina, has spent a significant amount of time in Spain as both a player and coach. Additionally, he has represented Argentina in their national team.
His recent remarks have sparked criticism from commentators in Spanish, Catalan, and Latin American media, with some labeling them as "classist" and "racist". Following the controversy, Barcelona and PSG players reportedly decided to boycott interviews with Movistar Plus+ after their match on Wednesday.
"In accordance with Movistar Plus+'s internal code of conduct, which strictly prohibits any form of discriminatory behavior, the platform has implemented measures following the recent incident involving inappropriate comments made by one of our collaborators about the player Lamine Yamal," the statement explained.
"As a result, Movistar Plus+ has decided to cease collaboration with Germán 'El Mono' Burgos in all programs on the platform with immediate effect. Additionally, the presenters of the program where the offensive comments were made will receive a formal warning."
Germán Burgos played for Argentina and was assistant coach of Atlético Madrid.
Germán Burgos played for Argentina and was assistant coach of Atlético Madrid.
AFP7/Europa Press/AP
Burgos issued an apology on Thursday.
"I did not mean to cause any harm to Lamine Yamal, the FC Barcelona community, the players, UEFA, or the Movistar Plus+ platform where I am employed," Burgos explained on Instagram.
"When I made my comment, I was trying to make a light-hearted joke about quality and highlight positive qualities, rather than targeting any specific ethnicity or social class."
I am thrilled to see young youth players after spending many years in football. I am particularly impressed by the new talent being produced by Barça, as I strongly believe that quality always prevails in the end. As a pro youth coach, I have always made it a priority to include young players in training with the first team.
I want to sincerely apologize to anyone who may have been offended by my previous comment. My intention was never to belittle Lamine Yamal, but rather to express my admiration for the inclusivity of football. Football brings people together regardless of sex, race, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, which is why it is such a wonderful sport in my eyes.
Movistar Plus+ also apologized earlier for the incident involving one of their collaborators during the preview of the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and FC Barcelona. In a statement, the channel expressed regret for the inappropriate comments made about the player Lamine Yamal from the azulgrana team.
Movistar Plus+ strongly opposes any form of discrimination and will not tolerate such comments from any of its employees or partners associated with the platform. In response to the recent incident, the platform will take necessary actions to ensure that similar events do not occur in the future.
In relation to the decision of two teams to boycott interviews, Movistar Plus+ presenter Ricardo Sierra revealed that UEFA, PSG, and Barça informed them that they would not be participating due to their strong displeasure over a comment made by someone from their studio during the preview, as reported by Spanish outlet Marca.
Yamal is Barcelona's youngest debutant in La Liga.
Yamal is Barcelona's youngest debutant in La Liga.
Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
“As such, they weren’t going to do any interviews, we haven’t been lucky. I apologized from here. We should also do so from the studio.”
CNN has contacted UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, as well as Barcelona and Yamal's agent. PSG has chosen not to provide a comment.
In the first leg, Barcelona emerged victorious over PSG with a score of 3-2. The return match is scheduled to take place next week.
Just under a year ago, Yamal made history by becoming Barcelona’s youngest player in La Liga at just 15 years, nine months, and 16 days old. He made his debut when he substituted for Gavi during a 4-0 win against Real Betis.
Barça head coach Xavi praised Yamal for his maturity despite his young age. Xavi mentioned, "Lamine doesn’t seem like a 15-year-old, he’s very mature. He’s ready to play and has been training well. He has the potential to make a significant impact at this club and be a key player in the team."
On Thursday, Yamal’s father wrote on Instagram: “Good morning world. I just ask for respect for other people’s children. Thank you.”
