Reactions to the discriminatory comment
French star Kylian Mbappé rejected Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla this Monday for her discriminatory comments published on social networks after Paraguay’s defeat against France in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
Mbappé described Amarilla, of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, as a “despicable woman” and “unworthy” of her position in Congress.
“Due to his recklessness and his exposed racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that his players achieved during this World Cup,” Mbappé wrote in X.
Amarilla posted several messages on that social network after Mbappé scored the decisive penalty in France’s 1-0 win on Saturday. He mocked the origins, upbringing, education and appearance of the French captain. France advanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face Morocco on Thursday.
The Paraguayan government issued a statement on Monday condemning Amarilla’s statements as being “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” He added that these comments do not represent either the government or the Paraguayan people.
The French Football Federation described the statements as “absolutely abhorrent” and “unacceptable”, and announced that it will refer the case to the prosecutor’s office.
Marina Ferrari, Minister of Sports of France, expressed her indignation and support for the national team.
“By attacking Kylian Mbappé, the senator is attacking everything that our captain embodies and everything that our country represents: freedom, equality and fraternity,” declared Ferrari in X.
Guy Stéphan, assistant to coach Didier Deschamps, also repudiated the comments: “It’s outrageous, abject, scandalous.”
The Associated Press requested statements from Amarilla with no response so far.
Before the match, former Paraguayan goalkeeper José Luis Chilavert called France “a team from Africa.” Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, noted that Chilavert “was once a great goalkeeper” but has now “fallen from grace.”
