French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly backed national football team captain Kylian Mbappe after the striker denounced racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla. Macron described Mbappe's response as "another goal against racism."
Macron's Support
In a post on X, Macron wrote: "Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity." The French president directly tagged Mbappe in the message, which was widely shared.
Amarilla's Controversial Comments
The controversy erupted after Paraguay's World Cup match against France, which was marked by high-intensity, physical play and heated tempers. Senator Celeste Amarilla made inflammatory remarks about Mbappe, calling him a "colonised Cameroonian" who is "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly." She also claimed France "won by a fluke" and that Mbappe was "nervous and scared to death the whole match, like his entire team."
Mbappe's Response
Mbappe responded by calling Amarilla a "despicable woman" who is unworthy of her position as a senator. He also criticized Paraguay's "dirty football" tactics during the match, which had already sparked tension between the teams.
Paraguay Government Distances Itself
The Paraguayan government issued a statement deploring and rejecting Amarilla's remarks. "These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes," the statement read. The government emphasized that Amarilla's comments were made in her individual capacity as a senator and do not represent the government or the Paraguayan people. It reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, equality, and the fight against racism and xenophobia.
French Football Federation Takes Action
The French Football Federation (FFF) also stepped in to support Mbappe, describing the comments as "criminal and reprehensible." The FFF announced it is filing a report with the prosecutor's office to seek judicial action. The federation extended its support to Mbappe, the entire French team, and all victims of such odious remarks.
Impact and Reactions
Macron's backing and the FFF's legal action underscore the seriousness with which France views racist abuse in sports. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger measures against racism in football. Mbappe's stance has been praised by fans and officials alike as a courageous stand against discrimination.
