Mbappe Condemns Paraguayan Senator Over Racist Remarks After World Cup Match
France star Kylian Mbappé on Monday condemned a Paraguayan senator for racist remarks he made following Paraguay’s World Cup last-16 defeat to France.
Mbappé called Celeste Amarilla, a senator from the Paraguayan Liberal Radical Party, a “despicable woman” who was “unworthy” to serve in the Paraguayan Congress.
“Because of your carelessness and brazen racism, the whole world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort of your players during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote to X.
Amarilla posted a series of racist comments about X after Mbappé converted the winning penalty in France’s victory over Paraguay on Saturday, mocking the French captain’s origins, upbringing, education and appearance. France have reached the quarter-finals and will face Morocco on Thursday.
The Paraguayan government issued a statement Monday afternoon condemning Amarilla’s words as “contrary to the values and principles that our country supports, inspiring peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.” He added that the senator’s comments represent neither the Paraguayan government nor the Paraguayan people.
The French Football Federation on Monday condemned Amarilla’s comments as “completely disgusting” and “unacceptable” and added that it would refer the matter to prosecutors.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari said she was “outraged” by Amarilla’s words and voiced her support for the national team captain.
Ferrari wrote of X: “By targeting Kylian Mbappé, the Senator is attacking everything our captain stands for and everything our country stands for: freedom, equality and fraternity.”
France assistant coach Guy Stéphan also condemned the remarks on Monday.
“In three words: angry, disgusting and scandalous,” he said.
The Associated Press requested comment to Amarilla via his social media accounts on Monday.
Before Saturday’s match, former Paraguay goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert referred to France as “a team from Africa.” FFF president Philippe Diallo said Chilavert “was once a great goalkeeper” but had now “fallen into disgrace”.
