Todibo caught laughing during the minute of silence, offers apology

Jean-Clair Todibo got the awaited call from Didier Deschamps to represent France in a game against Holland in the EURO 2024 qualifications, since Arsenal's William Saliba injured his toe. This is Nice defender's second recall to the French team, but this one turned out to be an ugly one, due to a unfortunate accident. The camera's caught Todibo laughing during the minute of silence dedicated to the victims in Israel and Gaza, but also to literature teacher, Dominique Bernard, who was stabbed to death late Friday morning in front of the Gambetta college-high school, in the city center of Arras.

Off course, those images were soon all over the news and the player decided to officially apologize and give his version of the story in front of the cameras, rather than issuing a public statement via PR department.

"I wanted to express myself in relation to the extent that the situation is taking. The interpretation of the situation is quite crazy. I don't think I'm a disrespectful guy regarding these things. I laughed but in no way was I making fun of the current situation. The context was quite particular, in the stands we were among the opposing fans. Some made certain jokes and I had a nervous laugh. In no case did I care about the situation. Some people said that I laughed during this minute of silence because I was making fun of the death of a teacher. You should know that my mother has worked in National Education for 20 years so I have enormous respect for these people. This could very well have happened to my mother. So it bothers me a little because it reflects an image that is not not mine" he said to the journalists.

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His apology was enough for national team coach Didier Deschamps, who decided to keep him in the squad for the friendy game against Scotland on Tuesday.

"It was his wish to be able to express himself. It took on significant dimensions, he is touched by what followed this attitude. He apologized to me, it is not an attitude to have in that moment. It's better to come and explain himself to you with his words rather than issuing a press release. It's not the best situation but he remains available, like the other players, for Tuesday" said the French tactician.

Before Todibo's apology, the French Football Federation requested from the player to explain why he laughed during a minute's silence before last week's Euro 2024 qualifier.