Barcelona and PSG boycott interviews after pundit's comments spark 'racism' storm as apology issued

Barcelona and PSG boycott interviews after pundit's comments spark 'racism' storm as apology issued

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 11/04/2024

- 09:53

There was controversy during Wednesday night's Champions League clash

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have boycotted interviews with Spanish TV after their Champions League clash on Wednesday night following a 'racist' comment by a pundit.

Former Atletico Madrid No 2 German Burgos was working as a pundit on Movistar Plus when he responded to a clip of Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal juggling a ball.


Burgos remarked: "If it does't go well for him, he could end up at a traffic light."

His controversy has caused outrage with Burgos appearing to be referring to people who juggle for money at traffic lights, something that has been increasingly seen in Europe after initially gaining popularity in South America.

Barcelona PSG

Barcelona and PSG have boycotted interviews following comments made by German Burgos

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Some fans online condemned Burgos, believing his comments were 'racist'. Others have suggested they were insensitive.

He has since apologised by saying: "It was a comment made without the intention of hurting anyone.

"If anyone felt offended, I apologise publicly."

Both Barcelona and PSG refused to speak to Movistar Plus after the game until they had made their on air apology.

Presenter Ricardo Sierra also commented on the incident, adding: "I understand that many spectators expected us to have a conversation or interview with Barca.

"But PSG and Barca have notified us that they were not going to attend to us because they were tremendously angry with a comment that was made on our set."

Players and staff from both clubs did fulfil post-match media commitments with other broadcasters.

Burgos previously worked under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid before leaving his role as assistant manager four years ago.

He has since had an underwhelming stint with Argentinean side Newell's Old boys, while he has also managed in the Greece Super League.

On the pitch, fans were treated to a classic.

Barcelona took the lead in the 37th minute through Raphinha, only for former player Ousmane Dembele to peg them back after half time.

PSG took the lead through Vitinha in the 50th minute to boost their chances of going through.

But Barcelona turned the match around, with Raphinha levelling before former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen popped up with the winner.

Despite the Catalan giants winning, manager Xavi insists PSG remain the favourites to go through.

"PSG are still the favourites," he said.

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Barcelona PSG

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal impressed in his side's Champions League win over PSG

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"It will be very difficult to win in Barcelona.

"Today we played well because we were united defensively.

"I'm very proud, everything worked well. We have to improve our concentration in the first minutes of the second half.

"We managed to mature and recover from a match that became very difficult."

He added: "I hope the ghosts have died.

Barcelona PSG

Barcelona beat PSG in the Champions League with Andreas Christensen netting a late winner

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"We've gone through difficult years in the Champions League recently. This win shows that Barça are still alive."

PSG boss Luis Enrique, meanwhile, admitted he was disappointed by his side's defeat.

"We are not happy with the defeat," he said.

"The second leg will be like a final now, it's our objective. I have no doubt that we can qualify. I congratulate Barcelona for their win and their performance."

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