Gianluigi Buffon’s coronavirus joke draws criticism while Jose Mourinho defends Dele Alli
- The 42-year-old was filmed asking Chinese fan if they are from Wuhan in video that drew comparisons with Spurs star Dele Alli
- Goalkeeper later leads Juventus video wishing China well as Barcelona, Benfica and Arsenal also show support
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has been criticised for his comments to a Chinese reporter in the mixed zone after his side’s meeting with AC Milan on Friday night.
“I’m watching you, eh? Coronavirus, eh? F***, are you from Wuhan?” Buffon said in Italian as others can be heard laughing in a video posted of the incident posted on social media.
The 42-year-old signed the autograph and touched the fan on the cheek before winking and walking on to the next autograph.
The video sparked online debate in China and overseas as to whether the Italian’s remarks were racist.
Comments on Chinese social media also criticised the Tencent journalist who originally posted an edited version of the video. The journalist issued an apology for posting the edited version.