“Stupid,” “colonized Cameroonian,” “full of inferiority complex, novice, arrogant and ugly” – these comments by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla have caused a wave of international outrage.
The target of his attacks was French football star Kylian Mbappe. Now, all of France is rallying behind the national team captain.
A tough, emotional match
Amarilla’s comments came after Saturday’s emotionally charged World Cup round-of-16 match between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia, which France won 1-0.
Mbappé was repeatedly subjected to harsh treatment during the match and the controversy was further escalated by making provocative gestures at Paraguay players after the final whistle. His refusal to shake goalkeeper Orlando Gil’s hand became a major talking point.
Soon after, Amarilla published several posts on social media. In one, he called Stryker an “idiot” who had not even learned how to write. He wrote, “Instead of mother’s milk, he sucked coconuts and the most educated things he had ever heard were chimpanzees.”
“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a disgusting woman and unfit for your position. You do not represent Paraguay – a country that has shown passion and respect throughout the tournament,” Mbappé responded via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Forward made it clear that it would not let such racist attacks go unanswered. He said that Amarilla, “through her blatant racism… has presented the worst image of our country. I will never give people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism around the world.”
Mbappé’s response received wide approval in France. Many politicians, sports officials and fans publicly rallied in support of the French star, who helped lead the country to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final.
Federation announces legal action
The French Football Federation (FFF) came out in strong support of the forward.
“The racist comments made against Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla are completely disgusting and unacceptable,” the FFF said. The federation also announced plans to file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office “to initiate criminal proceedings”.
FFF president Philippe Diallo also demonstratively stood by his captain. He pointed out that the players of the French national team represent the entire country; As a result, attacks on Mbappé were also attacks on France.
Support also came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who said he “supports Kylian Mbappé and the French national team in protest against racist attacks.”
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña also condemned the senator’s remarks, according to the presidential office. Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry has also distanced itself from Amarilla de Boccia’s statements.
infantino’s weight is
The incident eventually attracted the attention of the global football community. FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered a message of solidarity, saying he “unequivocally” condemned the insult.
“I unequivocally condemn the racist remarks made against Kylian Mbappé by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The entire football world and society stands in solidarity with the France captain: we must fight racism and defeat it together.”
Amarilla de Boccia responded to the wave of condemnation with an open letter in which he explained that his words were directed at Mbappé personally rather than at France as a whole. He also expressed regret to some extent.
“After a short time, I regretted subjecting you to the same insults that I endured,” the senator wrote, adding that as a Latina, she too had been a victim of racist abuse.
This article was originally published in German.