Kathmandu. Paraguayan MP Celeste Amarilla has landed in controversy after making racially discriminatory remarks against French captain Kylian Mbappé. Following France’s 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, she took to social media to post offensive and hate-fueled comments targeting Mbappé.
In the Round of 16 match, Mbappé scored the decisive goal via a penalty in the 70th minute, guiding France into the quarterfinals. This was his seventh goal of the tournament.
After the match, Paraguayan MP Amarilla posted highly derogatory and racially discriminatory comments on social media, targeting Mbappé’s education, family background, and identity. Calling him “uncivilized,” she accused him of pretending to be French. She also commented that Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill should have made an insulting gesture towards Mbappé. She wrote: “Born in Cameroon, trying to show himself as French, arrogant, and ugly. He played with fear and tension throughout the game, and his team did the same. They couldn’t even score from open play and won by chance. Most of us expected nothing less than the Albiroja players slapping him after the match ended. I am not even a football fan.”
In response, Mbappé strongly criticized Amarilla’s remarks, calling her a “disgusting woman.” He wrote on social media: “You are not worthy of your position. You do not represent Paraguay. Due to your carelessness and open racism, the Paraguayan team’s historic performance in the World Cup has been overshadowed.”
Mbappé stated that individuals who spread racial hatred can never be excused and emphasized that he would stand against such activities worldwide.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has also strongly condemned Amarilla’s remarks. Describing the comments as criminal and deplorable, the federation announced its decision to file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office for legal action. Furthermore, the federation expressed solidarity with Mbappé, the French team, and all victims of racial discrimination.
On the other hand, the Paraguayan Football Association and FIFA have not yet issued any official reaction regarding this matter.
France will now face Morocco in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. However, this off-field controversy surrounding racial discrimination has sparked a new debate in world football.
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