Footballer Kylian Mbappé responds to vile racist remarks made by Paraguayan politician

Kylian Mbappé has issued a statement denouncing a Paraguayan senator's 'brazen racism'.

The French forward hit back at remarks made by Celeste Amarilla, of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, after her country’s 1-0 defeat by France in the last-16 of the World Cup.

Amarilla appeared to mock Mbappé's origin and education after the loss. In response, the footballer wrote [translated]: "Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your position.

"You do not represent Paraguay, that country which has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.

"Through your recklessness and your brazen racism, the entire world has already forgotten the journey and the historic effort that your players accomplished during this World Cup, making way for an incompetent woman who gives the worst possible image of her country."

He added: "I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world."

The French football federation (FFF) has announced plans to file criminal changes, describing the comments made by Amarilla as ‘utterly abhorrent and unacceptable’.

In a statement, the FFF said: "These remarks ​are criminal and reprehensible. ​They must be prosecuted here ​as elsewhere. The FFF is reporting the matter to the ​public prosecutor's office ‌with a ​view to legal ​proceedings.

"These remarks bring shame upon those who make them and those who disseminate them. The players of the French national team represent France; it is our country that is being insulted."

The government of Paraguay also released a statement slamming Amarilla’s remarks. On Tuesday (7 July), it said: "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 Mbappé.

"These statements are contrary to the values and principles that inspire peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity, which our country promotes.

"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."

The statement continued: "The Government of Paraguay reaffirms its firm commitment 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.

"Likewise, it expresses its solidarity with those who may have felt affected by these statements and reiterates its respect for the French people, with whom Paraguay maintains a historic relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding."

Meanwhile, Vice President Pedro Alliana said: "Football is an expression of brotherhood. It should united countries and people. Within the passions and emotions of its realm, there is no room for any form of discrimination."

Tyla has contacted Amarilla's office for comment.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org.