France’s Jean-Clair Todibo apologises for laughing during minute’s silence

The 23-year-old, who plays for Ligue 1 side Nice, was caught on camera smirking during a period of silence in Amsterdam held for victims in Israel and Gaza and a professor murdered in Arras.

Todibo’s behaviour prompted outrage on social media while the French Football Federation’s Ethics Council will question him about the incident.

But the centre-back has moved to play down the furore, hijacking manager Didier Deschamps’ press conference on Monday evening to explain his actions.

‘Unfortunately the way this has been interpreted is just crazy,’ said Todibo after surprising journalists by walking into the media room at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy stadium.

‘I do not think I am disrespectful. It is just an incredible situation.

‘There was nervous laughter during the silence but in no way did I mean to make fun of what is going on.

‘We were in the middle of the fans and some of those fans cracked jokes. I laughed nervously.

‘I want to apologise for the nervous laughter but in no way was I being disrespectful towards the situation or what is going on.

‘Some people said I was making fun of the teacher [Dominique Bernard]. My mum works as a teacher so I have a lot of respect. It could have been my mum. This gives an image that is not mine. It is not me.’

Deschamps later addressed the controversy when he arrived for his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Scotland and says it was Todibo’s decision to explain himself.

‘It was his wish. He wanted to do that. He apologised to me,’ said the France boss.

‘It is not something he should be doing at that moment but it is always good to say something in your own words so he wanted to come and talk. It is not an easy situation for him but he is still available for the match.

‘It’s been blown up. He apologised as it’s not something anyone should be doing at that moment. It’s good he said something with his own words.’

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