The French Football Association has announced it will take legal action against Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla de Boccia over racist abuse directed at French attacking star Kylian Mbappe. The association called their comments “despicable and unacceptable.” To initiate a criminal case, a statement will be sent to the prosecutor’s office.
“I fully support our captain, the players and, in general, all those affected by such disgusting statements,” wrote association president Philippe Diallo on X. “The players represent the French national team. France. Our country is being insulted here.” The statements were “harmful” and “reprehensible.”
The Paraguayan government condemned the senator’s racist insult. The statements “in no way reflect the position of the Government of the Republic Paraguay or the Paraguayan people,” the statement said.
French President Emmanuel Macron also came to the player’s defense. Macron wrote on X: “Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. This time against racism. My full support. When words hurt, our values exemplify: dignity, respect, brotherhood.”
Mbappe reacted to racist remarks
A senator from the opposition Radical Liberal Party (PLRA) harshly insulted the French captain after the 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 1/8 finals of the World Cup. She described him, among other things, as an “idiot” who had not even learned to write. She also denounced him as “a colonized Cameroonian desperate to pass himself off as French.”
Mbappe reacted online and accused Amarilla of “blatant racism”. The senator is “a despicable woman unworthy of her position.” Addressing the politician, Mbappe wrote: “You do not represent Paraguay, this country that radiated passion and honor throughout the competition.”
Read more on the topic