France defender Jean-Clair Todibo has ignited the anger of football enthusiasts on social media for wearing a smirk during a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In the past week, the Israel and Gaza regions have witnessed horrifying events resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, both Israelis and Palestinians. Additionally, France experienced a tragic incident on Friday when a teacher was killed and three others were injured in Arras, a French city.
Before the Euro 2024 qualifier between France and the Netherlands at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena, the two teams observed a solemn minute of silence in honor of the Israel-Gaza conflict victims and those affected by the Arras terror attack. However, when the camera focused on the French bench, Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice defender pursued by Manchester United over the summer, was seen laughing.
While figures like France’s manager Didier Deschamps, along with Olivier Giroud and Benjamin Pavard, paid their respects solemnly, the 23-year-old defender displayed a lack of seriousness. Eventually, he lowered his head to avoid the camera’s attention, which subsequently moved away from him.
The display of disrespect from Todibo did not go unnoticed by football fans on social media, who were deeply offended. One user stated, “We don’t need this kind of buffoon in the France team.”
Another user commented, “Jean-Clair Todibo’s laughter during the minute of silence at #Euro2024 is disgraceful. Respect for victims is non-negotiable. An immediate and genuine apology is expected.”
A third user expressed, “Fired from the team, it’s easy to do.” A fourth said: “He needs to be fired for his lack of respect!!! If the victim would have been his father, would he have laughed?”
Todibo remained on the bench as an unused substitute while France secured their place at Euro 2024 with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, courtesy of Kylian Mbappe’s two goals. The center-back, formerly with Barcelona, made his first appearance for the French national team last month in a match against Germany.
#France : Le joueur français Jean-Clair #Todibo fait polémique en explosant de rire pendant la minute de silence pour les victimes en #Israël et en #Palestine et de l’attentat d’#Arras .#Foot pic.twitter.com/QNnqaERhOP
— Josly Ngoma (@josly_ngoma) October 14, 2023
Jean-Clair Todibo
Jean-Clair Todibo
French GuianaThis season he played in total 7 times for 608 minutes for Ligue 1.
Jean-Clair Todibo didn’t score any goal for Nice. He procured one assist. He received no yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in Ligue 1. In the last match Nice won 1-0 against Metz.
Nice performance and stats
Nice is currently 2nd in the Ligue 1 with 16 points.
In the last 8 games, it has won 4 times and drawn 4 times. In its last match, Nice won 0-1 against Metz.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 9 goals and conceding 4.
