Kylian Mbappe has branded Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla 'despicable and unworthy' of her position after she unleashed a torrent of racist abuse on social media following France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16. The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal in the ill-tempered encounter, which saw Didier Deschamps' side endure a series of reckless challenges from the South American team, who remarkably received no yellow cards.
Mbappe's Response to Racist Attacks
Several days after the match, Mbappe publicly confronted Amarilla in a tweet, 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, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
FFF Condemns Comments and Pursues Legal Action
The French Football Federation (FFF) condemned Amarilla's remarks as 'utterly abhorrent and unacceptable' and confirmed they would refer the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. In a statement, the FFF 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 is referring the matter to the public prosecutor's office with a view to legal proceedings. The Federation offers its full support to its captain, its players and, more broadly, to all victims of such hateful remarks. More than ever, the FFF remains committed to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. These comments bring shame on those who make them and those who spread them. The players of the French national team represent France, it is our country that has been insulted.'
Broader Context of Racism in Football
This incident follows earlier racism controversies surrounding the fixture. Before the match, former Paraguay goalkeeper Jose Luis Chilavert sparked a row by suggesting that the tournament favourites are a 'squad from Africa'. After the game, Deschamps claimed he was subjected to abuse. Amarilla's social media activity also included threats not to let Mbappe into the stadium and expressions of disdain. The 61-year-old senator, a member of Paraguay's Liberal Radical Party, has made no effort to hide her anger following her country's exit. France will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals as the fallout from the unsavoury encounter continues.
