Paraguay’s government condemns a senator’s racist remarks against France’s Kylian Mbappe, saying they do not represent the nation.
ASUNCION: Paraguay’s government on Monday condemned remarks made by a senator who racially abused France star Kylian Mbappe after Paraguay was eliminated from the World Cup over the weekend.
“The remarks made by Senator Celeste Amarilla, directed at the captain of the French national team, Kylian Mbappe, are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“They in no way represent the position of the government of the Republic of Paraguay or the Paraguayan people,” the ministry added.
Amarilla, a member of the leading opposition Liberal Party, called Mbappe a “colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly,” and accused him of being “scared to death” during the game.
The remarks, which followed Les Bleus 1-0 defeat of Paraguay in a bad-tempered game in Philadelphia on Saturday, sparked uproar in France.
Mbappe joined in the chorus of condemnation from the government and opposition.
Writing on X, he said: “Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position.
“You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”
