Paraguay senators launch new attacks on Mbappe as racism row deepens
The war of words between Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla and France forward Kylian Mbappe intensified on Wednesday as lawmakers renewed their criticism of the footballer during a session of the Paraguayan Senate.
Amarilla revisited France's 1-0 World Cup Round of 16 victory over Paraguay, accusing Mbappe of disrespecting goalkeeper Orlando Gill by refusing to shake his hand after the match.
"So what made us angry? That when Orlando Gill... offers his hand with all the humility of a Paraguayan... this son of a bitch refuses his hand and shouts in his face. That is not French," she said.
The senator also dismissed criticism from French supporters on social media and urged Mbappe to "stop crying like a woman."
The dispute began after Amarilla posted comments about Mbappe on social media that he described as racist. Mbappe accused the senator of "brazen racism," while the French Football Federation filed a complaint and French prosecutors opened an investigation.
During Wednesday's session, Senator Juan Carlos "Nano" Galaverna also criticised Mbappe over an on-field exchange with Paraguay defender Juan Jose Caceres and made comments about the player's personal life. Senator Yolanda Paredes described the France captain as "arrogant" and "ill-mannered."
Paraguay's government has distanced itself from Amarilla's remarks, saying they reflect her personal views rather than those of the state. French authorities said President Santiago Peña had also written to French President Emmanuel Macron condemning the senator's comments.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
