The controversy revolves around comments made by Canal + “Canal Football Club” team members, including Hervé Mathoux, Christophe Dugarry, and Pierre Ménès, regarding footballer Mathieu Valbuena. The comments were made when Valbuena was seen leaving the Vélodrome dressed in a blue tracksuit and walking alone in the parking lot.
Pierre Ménès made a remark comparing Valbuena to Tintin without Snowy, a comment that drew criticism from Marseille supporters. Valbuena’s agent, Christophe Hutteau, expressed displeasure, stating that making fun of someone’s physique is scandalous, ridiculous, stupid, and vulgar. Hutteau emphasized that regardless of personal opinions about Valbuena’s skills, such comments were inappropriate.
Pierre Ménès responded on Twitter, expressing surprise at the reaction and explaining that the reference to Tintin was about Valbuena’s attire, not his height. He defended the use of humor in football but acknowledged that it may not have been well-received.
