France captain Kylian Mbappe strongly criticized Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for a series of racist comments on social media following Paraguay’s elimination. fifa world cup. Controversy erupted after France beat Paraguay in the last 16 on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the decisive penalty to send France into the quarter-finals. After the game, Senator Amarilla of the Liberal Radical Party of Paraguay published a post on X, mocking the French star’s background, appearance, education and origin.
Kylian Mbappe Posts
Mbappe responded publicly on Monday, condemning the comments and accusing the senator of casting a pall over Paraguay’s historic World Cup campaign. Mbappe wrote on The France striker also described Amarilla as a “despicable woman” who “doesn’t deserve” to serve in Paraguay’s Congress. The backlash quickly spread beyond football. The Paraguayan government issued an official statement distancing itself from the senator’s remarks and condemning them. The statement said Amarilla’s remarks “go against the values and principles of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity advocated by our country.” The authorities also emphasized that her views do not represent those of the Paraguayan government nor the Paraguayan people. The French Football Federation also responded strongly, calling these remarks “extremely abhorrent” and “unacceptable.” The federation said it would refer the matter to prosecutors. Support for Mbappe comes from the highest levels of the French government. Emmanuel Macron Publicly supporting the striker, as was French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. “By targeting Kylian Mbappe, the senator is attacking everything our captain embodies and everything our country stands for: liberty, equality and fraternity,” Ferrari wrote on X.
Emmanuel Macron Posts
Macron also expressed his support, posting: “Kylian Mbappe scores another goal. This time it’s against racism,” while adding that the France captain had his “full support.”The latest controversy comes just days after former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert sparked criticism before the match by referring to France as “a team from Africa”. In response, French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo said Chilavert “used to be a great goalkeeper” but is now “in disgrace.” France will now turn their attention back to the pitch as they prepare to face Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals, while the fallout from racist comments continues to dominate headlines off the pitch.
