Kylian Mbappe has publicly condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she directed a series of racist posts at the France striker following the team's World Cup Round of 16 victory. The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Paraguay, a match marked by physical play and controversy.
Mbappe's Response to Racist Abuse
Mbappe took to social media to denounce Amarilla, writing: 'Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition. Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup.' He added: 'I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
Senator's Vile Outburst
Amarilla, a 61-year-old senator for Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, unleashed a torrent of abuse on social media after Paraguay's elimination. Her posts contained foul language and racial undertones directed at Mbappe. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the French Football Federation (FFF) branding her comments 'utterly abhorrent and unacceptable'.
FFF Takes Legal Action
The FFF confirmed it would refer the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. In a statement, the federation said: 'The racist remarks made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla targeting Kylian Mbappé are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. How can anyone make such comments? These remarks are criminal and deserve condemnation. They must be prosecuted, here and elsewhere.' The FFF offered its full support to Mbappe and all victims of hateful remarks, reaffirming its commitment to fighting racism.
Broader Context of Racism in Football
The controversy is not isolated. Earlier, former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert sparked a racism row by claiming France is a 'squad from Africa'. France coach Didier Deschamps also alleged he was subjected to abuse after the victory. France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals, but the fallout from the match continues to dominate headlines.
