Naijahood
France international Jean-Clair Todibo issued an apology on Monday for his inappropriate laughter during a minute’s silence held in memory of the victims of the Israel-Hamas conflict and a slain French teacher prior to a Euro 2024 qualifier last week.
“I had an involuntary laugh during this moment of silence, but I want to make it clear that I never intended to mock the ongoing situation,” explained the 23-year-old Nice defender during a media statement.
Cameras captured Todibo’s untimely laughter during the tribute, which occurred before France’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam last Friday, dedicated to the victims of the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The minute’s silence also paid tribute to a teacher tragically killed in an Islamist terror attack in the northern French city of Arras.
Todibo, who remains part of the French team for their friendly match against Scotland in Lille on Tuesday, expressed his regret for any offense caused.
“I wish to address the gravity of the situation and the misunderstanding that has arisen from it,” he stated at France’s pre-match press conference in Lille. “The situation was peculiar, and we were surrounded by rival fans who had made certain jokes, which led to my involuntary laughter. I want to apologize to anyone I may have offended. It’s the least I can do, and I want to be clear about that.”
He went on to express his personal pain regarding the incident and its impact on his family values. “I am hurt by this incident as it tarnishes the values and principles instilled in me by my mother,” Todibo remarked. “Some have alleged that my laughter during the minute of silence was a mockery of the teacher’s death, but it’s essential to understand that my mother has worked in the field of National Education for two decades, and I hold immense respect for individuals in that profession. This could easily have involved my mother. It deeply troubles me because it misrepresents the person I am.”
Comments
Loading…