Macron stands with Mbappe against racist abuse by a parliamentarian in Paraguay - Sarmad
The French Football Federation condemned parliamentary remarks in Paraguay that contained racist insults against the national team’s captain and all-time top scorer, Kylian Mbappé, following the match between the two sides at the World Cup.
The French federation described these remarks as “abhorrent and unacceptable,” stating that it would refer the matter to the public prosecutor’s office.
French President Emmanuel Macron and French Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari also expressed their support for the captain of Les Bleus.
Ferrari wrote on her official account on the “X” platform: “The Paraguayan parliamentarian’s comments about Mbappé targeted everything our captain represents and the principles our country defends, namely liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
For his part, Macron added on the same platform: “Mbappé has scored a new goal, this time in the net of racism,” adding that Kylian would have his full support.
On her part, Gilles Stefan, the assistant coach of the French national team’s technical staff, summarized the incident in three words: “Shameful, disgraceful, and a scandal.”
Earlier, the Paraguayan government announced its rejection of the statements made by parliamentarian Celeste Amarilla, which carried insults directed at Kylian Mbappé, the striker and captain of the French national team.
The government stated in a press release: “The Government of Paraguay strongly condemns and rejects the remarks made by Deputy Celeste Amarilla directed at the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappé, which contradict the values and principles promoting peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country upholds.”
The statement added: “Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the principle of separation of powers and its independence. In this context, the remarks made by the aforementioned deputy are merely an exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the legislative branch and do not in any way represent the position of the country’s government or people.”
The French national team had defeated Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Mbappé scoring the winning goal from a penalty kick.
Celeste Amarilla de Boucha commented on a post about the French striker, saying: “He hasn’t even learned to write; instead of his mother’s milk, he drank coconut water. That’s the most information I’ve heard about chimpanzees.” Mbappé responded to an image of her on “X,” saying: “You are a despicable woman, unworthy of your position and not representative of Paraguay.”
He added: “Due to your ignorance and racism, the world has already forgotten the historic journey and the commitment of your team’s players during the World Cup, making way for a woman who damages her country’s reputation.” He noted that he would never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism in the world.
French Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari also expressed her strong anger at Amarilla’s remarks, stating: “These are bad, inappropriate, and strongly rejected comments, especially because they come from a political figure.”
