We examine the reason behind criticism of the 23-year-old French defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who has been in brilliant form this season as a video of him laughing goes viral
French defender Jean-Clair Todibo has incurred the disapproval of football enthusiasts on social media for wearing a smirk during a moment of silence dedicated to the victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict and a teacher who was murdered in Arras. In the past week, the Israel-Gaza conflict has witnessed distressing events, resulting in the loss of numerous lives on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides. Furthermore, France experienced a tragic incident on Friday when an assailant fatally attacked a teacher and injured three others in the city of Arras.
Video of Jean-Clair Todibo laughing during silence for teacher murdered in Arras goes viral
#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
Honte à Todibo. #PBSFRA pic.twitter.com/vdRXsmWV9i
— Corentin Guichaoua (@LeGu1ch) October 13, 2023
Why Jean-Clair Todibo was slammed by netizens after France vs Netherlands?
Before the Euro 2024 qualifier between France and the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, both teams observed a heartfelt minute of silence to honor the victims of the Israel-Gaza conflict and those affected by the Arras terror attack. However, when the camera turned to the French bench, Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nice defender who was pursued by Manchester United during the summer, was seen laughing.
While prominent figures such as France’s coach Didier Deschamps, Olivier Giroud, and Benjamin Pavard stood solemnly, showing their respect during the silence, the 23-year-old defender laughed on the French bench. Eventually, he had to lower his head to avoid the camera’s attention, and the camera shifted away from him.
How social media users reacted to the disrespectful gesture by Todibo?
The OGC Nice defender who is a Muslim by religion actions demonstrated a lack of respect for the tribute paid to the innocent victims in Israel, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as the morning knife attack at a high school in Arras. Todibo, the sole individual seen laughing among the French substitutes, stirred controversy on social media platforms, extending beyond just a particular group of individuals.
During a press conference held on Monday afternoon, preceding the friendly match against Scotland at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, the French coach might face questions regarding the inappropriate conduct of his 23-year-old player, who was enlisted as a replacement for William Saliba.
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