Following a controversial comment made by pundit German Burgos about Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal ahead of their Champions League match against Paris St-Germain, a Spanish TV station has taken swift action, terminating Burgos’ employment. Burgos, who was working for Movistar, made the remark while commenting on footage of Yamal performing kick-ups.
The decision to sack Burgos came in response to the inappropriate nature of his comment, which sparked outrage and criticism. The incident underscores the importance of responsible commentary and the consequences of making discriminatory remarks in the public sphere.
Burgos is reported to have said: “If it doesn’t go well for him, he could end up at a traffic light.”
Barcelona and PSG declined interviews with Movistar post-match. The broadcaster responded by expressing condemnation of discrimination and vowed to take action against such remarks made by employees or collaborators associated with the platform.
The controversial comment occurred before Barcelona’s quarter-final first-leg victory against PSG on Wednesday. Following the backlash, Burgos issued an apology for his remarks.
“It was a comment made without meaning to hurt anyone. We talk about football, nothing else. If he felt offended, I am sorry and I apologise publicly,” he said.
Burgos, aged 54, represented Argentina in 35 international matches throughout his playing tenure and had a six-year stint in Spain with Mallorca and Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, Yamal, aged 16, was born in Spain to parents of Moroccan and Equatorial Guinean descent. Despite his young age, the winger has already earned six caps for Spain.
Yamal’s recent achievement saw him become the youngest player to feature in a Champions League quarter-final during Barcelona’s triumph in Paris.
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