Blab Politics
Mbappe condemns Paraguayan senators racist remarks after World Cup loss
When France edged Paraguay 1‑0 in Philadelphia, Mbappé’s penalty‑scoring heroics were quickly eclipsed by a darker moment: a senator’s racist tweet.
On Saturday, the French captain’s solitary strike sealed a quarter‑final berth, but it also drew the attention of Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, a member of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party. The senator posted a lengthy rant on X that contained slurs aimed at Mbappé’s background and even urged Paraguayan players to physically assault the striker after the final whistle.
The post, which went viral within hours, prompted an immediate backlash from the football world. Mbappé, known for his outspoken stance against racism, responded the next day from his official X account. He called Amarilla a “despicable woman” and declared that he would not let “racism or hatred go unchallenged.” He added that the senator’s comments did not reflect the values of Paraguay, a nation he described as one that “has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.” The French captain’s message was picked up by major sports outlets and shared widely.
The French Football Federation (FFF) followed suit. In a statement released Monday, the federation said it would file a criminal complaint against the senator. It called the remarks “criminal and reprehensible” and said it was reporting the matter to the public prosecutor’s office for possible legal action. The FFF also warned that the comments “bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them” and that the national team’s players “represent France” and are being insulted.
French assistant coach Guy Stephan weighed in as well. He described the senator’s remarks as “disgraceful, vile, outrageous,” and added that the federation had not yet spoken with Mbappé about the incident. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan government issued a swift statement distancing itself from the senator’s words. It said it “deplores and rejects the statements” made by Amarilla and that they were “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” The government emphasized that the remarks did not represent the position of the Republic of Paraguay or its people.
Even within Paraguay’s own legislature, the senator’s words were condemned. Congress president Basilio Nunez told reporters that the remarks “do not represent the genuine values of Paraguayans” and that “politics and sports should be kept separate.” He added that he “strongly rejects racist, xenophobic messages and those that incite violence against any person.” The criticism underscores that the incident is not only a football controversy but a broader affront to national dignity.
The fallout extends beyond the pitch. While France’s national team advances to the quarter‑finals, the episode has reignited global discussions about racism in international sport. The FFF’s filing is still pending, with no details released on potential charges or timelines. In Paraguay, no disciplinary action has yet been announced, though the government’s statement signals it will not support the senator’s remarks.
The case remains unresolved. Its next steps hinge on the outcome of the French legal proceedings and any further statements from Paraguayan authorities. For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder that the fight against racism in football—and in society at large—continues.
On Saturday, the French captain’s solitary strike sealed a quarter‑final berth, but it also drew the attention of Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla, a member of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party. The senator posted a lengthy rant on X that contained slurs aimed at Mbappé’s background and even urged Paraguayan players to physically assault the striker after the final whistle.
The post, which went viral within hours, prompted an immediate backlash from the football world. Mbappé, known for his outspoken stance against racism, responded the next day from his official X account. He called Amarilla a “despicable woman” and declared that he would not let “racism or hatred go unchallenged.” He added that the senator’s comments did not reflect the values of Paraguay, a nation he described as one that “has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.” The French captain’s message was picked up by major sports outlets and shared widely.
The French Football Federation (FFF) followed suit. In a statement released Monday, the federation said it would file a criminal complaint against the senator. It called the remarks “criminal and reprehensible” and said it was reporting the matter to the public prosecutor’s office for possible legal action. The FFF also warned that the comments “bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them” and that the national team’s players “represent France” and are being insulted.
French assistant coach Guy Stephan weighed in as well. He described the senator’s remarks as “disgraceful, vile, outrageous,” and added that the federation had not yet spoken with Mbappé about the incident. Meanwhile, the Paraguayan government issued a swift statement distancing itself from the senator’s words. It said it “deplores and rejects the statements” made by Amarilla and that they were “contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity that our country promotes.” The government emphasized that the remarks did not represent the position of the Republic of Paraguay or its people.
Even within Paraguay’s own legislature, the senator’s words were condemned. Congress president Basilio Nunez told reporters that the remarks “do not represent the genuine values of Paraguayans” and that “politics and sports should be kept separate.” He added that he “strongly rejects racist, xenophobic messages and those that incite violence against any person.” The criticism underscores that the incident is not only a football controversy but a broader affront to national dignity.
The fallout extends beyond the pitch. While France’s national team advances to the quarter‑finals, the episode has reignited global discussions about racism in international sport. The FFF’s filing is still pending, with no details released on potential charges or timelines. In Paraguay, no disciplinary action has yet been announced, though the government’s statement signals it will not support the senator’s remarks.
The case remains unresolved. Its next steps hinge on the outcome of the French legal proceedings and any further statements from Paraguayan authorities. For now, the incident stands as a stark reminder that the fight against racism in football—and in society at large—continues.
