Laporta Criticizes Mbappé's Conduct After Spanish Supercup Final
French forward Kylian Mbappé, playing for Real Madrid, has ignited a significant controversy following the Spanish Supercup final held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He reportedly instructed his teammates not to applaud Barcelona players as they ascended to receive their trophy.
This incident occurred after Barcelona's 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Al-Ittihad Stadium, securing the Supercup title for the Catalan side.
Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, was particularly vocal in his criticism of Mbappé, expressing his surprise at the incident during the trophy presentation.
In a statement to "Radio Catalunya," Laporta remarked:
"I was taken aback by Mbappé's actions. Regardless of winning or losing, one should demonstrate generosity and respect. That is the essence of sportsmanship, and I found Mbappé's behavior puzzling. At Barcelona, we show respect to our opponents in victory, which is why I did not comprehend his actions."
Laporta elaborated on the tense atmosphere leading up to the incident:
"There was some friction between the players in the last league match, which understandably created a charged environment. I did not witness Mbappé's behavior at that moment, but I can see why Real Madrid players were very upset."
He continued:
"They likely felt our chances of winning were greater, and that perception on the field may have intensified their frustration."
These remarks come amid growing scrutiny of player conduct in high-stakes matches, particularly in the classic rivalry, where sportsmanship remains a focal point, regardless of the intensity of competition.
