Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe says he wanted to make a gesture in support of immigrants who had lost their lives by not properly wearing a T-shirt in support of the people of Ceuta.
Real Madrid players Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Ibrahima Konate were criticised, including by La Liga president Javier Tebas, for wearing the t-shirt partially rolled up ahead of their La Liga win over Elche on Tuesday.
The rest of the team and Elche players wore the t-shirt, which brandished the words “we are all Ceutans”, normally, which was intended to be a message of support for people in the Spanish territory in north Africa, which recently has been affected by a migration crisis.
Residents have complained about migrants from Morocco camping on beaches and sleeping in the streets, with the city overwhelmed amid a humanitarian crisis. Scores of people died while attempting the crossing in July.
Deadly migrant crossings
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights, a non-governmental group, estimates the death toll to be at least 141.
“The first thing I want to say is that I have complete solidarity with Ceuta and all the victims, because before being a player, I am human,” Mbappe told Spanish daily AS.
“But I also wanted to make a gesture and express my thoughts for all the immigrants who have lost their lives and who are also living in difficult conditions.”
Tens of thousands of migrants arrived in Ceuta from Morocco on July 30 and 31. Most of them returned in the hours following their arrival, but several thousand remained in Ceuta.
Mbappe said he intended to send a “message of peace” and reiterated he did not mean the gesture as disrespect for residents of Ceuta.
“It wasn’t an easy position, a difficult one, because in the end people might think I’m against the people of Ceuta, but no, absolutely not,” continued Mbappe.
“I have nothing against them, and I support them 100 percent. But I also wanted to think about all the people who are suffering, because ultimately I’m human, and I don’t want to prioritise suffering.”
