Paraguay’s government has condemned racist remarks made by a senator aimed at France forward Kylian Mbappé following Paraguay’s elimination from the World Cup.
Quick facts
- Paraguay’s foreign ministry criticised comments from senator Celeste Amarilla after France beat Paraguay.
- Amarilla, from the leading opposition Liberal Party, racially abused Mbappé after the match.
- France won 1-0 on Saturday during the last-32 game in Philadelphia.
- Mbappé responded publicly and Emmanuel Macron also condemned the “racist attacks.”
Celeste Amarilla, a figure from the Liberal Party, directed racist abuse at Mbappé and described him using degrading terms, claiming he was “colonised” and had “pretended to be French.” She also accused him of being “embittered,” “nouveau riche,” “arrogant” and “ugly,” and alleged he was “scared to death” during the contest that ended with France securing a 1-0 win.
In an official statement, Paraguay’s foreign ministry said the remarks “are contrary to the values and principles” the country promotes for peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity.
The ministry added that the comments “in no way represent the position” of the Paraguayan government or the people of Paraguay.
The controversy erupted after a heated last-32 match in Philadelphia, where tempers were high and the incident later drew widespread backlash in France.
Mbappé then joined the wave of condemnation from both sides of French politics, posting a direct reply to Amarilla. He wrote that she was “a despicable woman” and said she was “not worthy of your position,” while also stating she did not represent Paraguay.
France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, also weighed in, condemning the “racist attacks” aimed at Mbappé.
