Belgium apologise for ill-judged video about kicking Kylian Mbappe

Belgium’s football association have issued a public apology following a controversial post on their social media channels which involved France captain Kylian Mbappe.

The two countries will battle in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Monday having both failed to top their respective groups.

France head into the game as heavy favourites despite underwhelming in Germany so far, with much of the focus inevitably on Mbappe, who scored against Poland on matchday three after returning to the team following a nasty collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso that broke his nose.

A video on Belgium’s social media channels featured comedian Pablo Andres singing “Who will kick Mbappe’s shin?”, before Onana popped up to his respond with his name.

The post was criticised for condoning unsportsman like conduct, drawing widespread attention in France, and forced Belgium’s media spokesperson Stefan Van Loock to issue a grovelling apology on Saturday.

“The video was intended to be humorous but has since been taken offline.” he said. “We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended by this. This concludes the matter for us.”

Amadou Onana in action for Belgium against Ukraine / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

France, winners of the 2018 World Cup and runners-up in the 2022 edition, are hoping that Mbappe can help banish the memories of their disappointing last 16 exit to Switzerland at the last Euros.

But they have looked uncomfortable in all three of their group games, relying on an own goal to beat Austria on matchday one before looking tired and lethargic in a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands.

The 1-1 draw with Poland in the final game of the group stages also did little to support France’s status as one of the favourites to win Euro 2024, but opponents Belgium have also looked lackustre so far.

A shock defeat to Slovakia threatened Domenico Tedesco’s side with an early exit, but victory over Romania and a share of the spoils with Ukraine was enough to see them Group E as runners-up.

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are the two marquee players in a side that also contains leading Premier League lights Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans.