Tobido in hot water after LAUGHING during Israel minute's silence
Tom Weber
- 16 Oct 2023 17:05 BST
- 4 min read
Manchester United target Jean-Clair Todibo is in hot water.
The OGC Nice star is currently on duty with the French national team, who qualified for EURO 2024 after beating the Netherlands. Prior to the game, a minute of silence was dedicated to the victims of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza as well as to those who lost their lives to a terrorist attack in Arras, France.
Todibo was seen laughing during the moment of remembrance and this could now have consequences. According to RMC, the defender has been asked by the National Ethics Council of the French Football Federation to explain himself initially via a letter. Should his explanation not suffice, he could be summoned before a disciplinary committee.
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Todibo answered back publicly on Monday before facing Scotland in friendly action a day later in Lille.
He said: "The interpretation of the situation is quite crazy. I don't think I'm a disrespectful guy when it comes to that sort of thing. I had a nervous laugh during this minute of silence but in no way was I making fun of the current situation.
"The context was quite unique: we were in the stands among the opposing supporters. Some made certain jokes and this nervous laugh came out. I wanted to apologise to anyone who may have been offended.
"Some people said I didn't care if a teacher died. You should know that my mother worked in national education for 20 years and this could have happened to her. This doesn't reflect my personality at all and it bothers me a little."
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His fit caused a stir on French social media, which has mostly been met with silence from the team. Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, said: "I was not really made aware of all that, but you should know that JC is a good person, the thing was simply misinterpreted."
Mike Maignan equally told the media: "Of course we support him. We know JC well! He's a good person. It wasn't a mocking laugh."
Man Utd target
On the pitch, Todibo has cut a much more impressive figure. The Nice defender has established himself as one of Ligue 1's best in his position after arriving following a torrid stint at Barcelona.
His good form for his club has not only seen him rewarded with call-ups to the French national team but it has also attracted the attention of elite suitors, chief among them Man Utd.
Todibo was heavily linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils were ultimately lacking the necessary funds to sign him. A transfer could soon become much more straightforward now that Nice owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to invest in Man Utd.
