"Another goal, against racism this time": Macron backs Mbappe for calling out Paraguay senator's racist remarks
Paris, July 7
French president Emmanuel Macron backed national men's football side captain Kylian Mbappe for taking a stand against controversial comments by Paraguay senator Celeste Amarilla, saying that he has scored "another goal", this time against racism.
Mbappe's remarks came after she called Mbappe a "colonised Cameroonian" and "pretending hard to be French, resentful, newly rich, arrogant, and ugly". Amarilla also said that France "won by a fluke and Mbappe was nervous and scared to death the whole match, like his entire team."
Mbappe called her a "despicable woman" who is unworthy of her position.
"Another goal for Kylian Mbappe. Against racism this time. All my support. When words defile, our values respond: dignity, respect, fraternity. @KMbappe".
The World Cup clash saw high-intensity, highly physical football, with tempers flaring on both sides, and Celeste harshly ranted against Mbappe and the French team's after the match, as the French captain called out Paraguay's "dirty football" tactics.
The Paraguayan government also issued a statement on the controversial remarks made by Amarilla.
"The Government of the Republic of Paraguay deplores and rejects the statements made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national football team, Kylian Mbappe. These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes," said a statement from the government.
"Paraguay is a democratic republic governed by the principle of the separation and independence of the branches of government. In this context, the statements made by the aforementioned legislator correspond exclusively to the exercise of her individual responsibility as a member of the Legislative Branch and in no way represent the position of the Government of the Republic of Paraguay or of the Paraguayan people," it added.
The government reaffirmed its firm committment to "the promotion of human rights, equality, and respect among all people, as well as to the fight against racism, xenophobia, intolerance, and every form of hatred or discrimination."
French Football Federation (FFF) also stepped in support of Mbappe, describing the comments as "criminal and reprehensible" and said that they are "filing a report with the prosecutor's office for the purpose of judicial action".
FFF extended its support to Mbappe, the whole team and the victim of "such odious remarks" everywhere.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm glad the Paraguayan government distanced itself from those comments. That senator's remarks were absolutely disgusting and have no place in modern society. Mbappe handled it with class, calling her out while keeping his focus on football. Brilliant gesture from Macron too.
While I support the fight against racism, I think we need to be careful about turning every controversy into a political statement. Football should stay about football. That said, the senator's words were indeed uncalled for and racist.
This is why representation matters. Mbappe, a proud Frenchman of Cameroonian heritage, stood up to a racist politician and said "enough is enough". As someone from India, I feel this resonates deeply with our own struggles against caste and racial discrimination. Salute to Mbappe. 🇮🇳⚽
It's sad that in 2024, we still have people in positions of power making such racist comments. The "colonised Cameroonian" remark shows how colonial mindsets still persist. Good on Mbappe for calling it out, and even better that the French federation is taking legal action.
I appreciate Macron's support, but let's not forget that France itself has issues with racism. The treatment of black and minority players in French football has been problematic at times. That said, Mbappe is a true leader on and off the pitch. Kya baat hai, Mbappe! 👏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.