Macron Supports Mbappe After Racist Comments
President Emmanuel Macron has publicly backed French football star Kylian Mbappe in a racism dispute with Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. The row erupted after Mbappe scored the winning goal for France against Paraguay in a World Cup match, prompting Amarilla to post a series of racist remarks targeting Mbappe's origins, upbringing, education, and appearance.
Mbappe swiftly condemned the comments, calling Amarilla 'an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country.' Macron responded on social media, stating: 'Another goal for Kylian Mbappé. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity.'
Mbappe's Strong Response
In a tweet, Mbappe wrote: '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.' He added: 'I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.'
Amarilla Demands Apology, Threatens Legal Action
Amarilla has since responded, demanding an apology from Mbappe and threatening legal action if he does not comply. She released an open letter explaining that her issue was with Mbappe personally, not France. She expressed regret for delivering 'the same insults' she received as a mixed-race person and deleted her original post. However, she accused Mbappe of gender-based violence, stating: 'Retract your statements, honour your French citizenship, and apologise. Otherwise, I may begin legal proceedings for gender-based violence.'
French Football Federation Condemns Remarks
The French Football Federation (FFF) also voiced strong support for Mbappe, describing Amarilla's comments as 'utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.' In a tweet, 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 added: '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.'
Background of the Incident
Amarilla's social media activity against Mbappe appears not to be an isolated incident. She had previously warned not to let her into the stadium, threatening to become a hardcore fan before expressing disdain towards the footballer. The row highlights ongoing issues of racism in football and the strong stance taken by French officials against discrimination.
