Belgium have apologised after they posted a video of Amadou Onana chanting that he will target Kylian Mbappe’s shin during their Euro 2024 clash.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The video showed the Everton midfielder alongside the Belgian-based comedian Pablo Andres singing about Mbappe. The comedian chanted: “Who will tackle Mbappe in the shin?” before Onana chanted in return, “Onana, Amadou Onana!” Following backlash, the Belgian FA deleted the video from all their social media accounts and issued an apology.
WHAT BELGIUM SAID
Before the pre-match press conference, Belgium’s press officer Stefan Van Loock said: “It was not the intention to attack anyone. We have been working with comedian Pablo Andres for a long time, this video also had to be funny.
“But we misjudged that and also took the video offline. We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended with this. For us, this is the end of the matter.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The neighbouring nations and rivals face off in the European Championship round of 16 on Monday as Belgium look to get revenge for their 1-0 defeat in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Although much of the ‘golden generation’ of Belgians have retired, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have continued to display their strong connection – even if the latter has scored three disallowed goals. In contrast, France have yet to live up to their pre-tournament expectations.
WHAT NEXT FOR BELGIUM?
Onana will have the chance to make his mark on Mbappe and France on Monday as the Rode Duivels look to progress to the quarter-finals. The winner of the game will face the winner of Portugal and Slovenia in that game next weekend.
