Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Kylian Mbappe racist attack controversy has taken another turn, with Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla threatening legal action after the France star condemned her comments following Paraguay’s World Cup exit.
Amarilla, a member of Paraguay’s opposition Liberal Party, aimed racist abuse at Mbappe after France’s win, prompting condemnation from Paraguay’s government, French President Emmanuel Macron and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The row comes after another World Cup disciplinary flashpoint, with Hossam Hassan’s red card explained following Egypt’s heated Argentina defeat.
Amarilla Retracts Slurs But Demands Apology
Amarilla later withdrew the racist comments, saying they were “written in the heat of the moment”.
“My mixed-race blood — the beautiful blend of Indigenous and Spanish heritage that runs through my veins — was boiling,” Amarilla said in quotes published by ESPN.
“Later, I regretted responding with the same insults that I myself have received, because I too have been looked down upon for being dark-skinned, Latin American.”
“I realised I was repeating the very behaviour that I despise, so I deleted the post,” she added.
Mbappe had earlier responded strongly on social media.
“Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position,” he wrote.
“You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.”
Legal Threat Adds To World Cup Tension
Amarilla has now demanded Mbappe apologise and suggested she may pursue legal action.
“Now I expect you to do the same: withdraw your remarks and apologise to me. I will not tolerate your aggression. You have no idea who I am and you have no right to say that I am a despicable woman, unworthy of the office I hold.
“This is gender-based violence, plain and simple,
“It is political violence against a woman who reached her position through the votes of her people.
“Retract your remarks, honour your French citizenship and apologise to me. Otherwise, I may begin legal proceedings on the grounds of gender-based violence.”
The issue has added to a tense World Cup week that also includes Norway’s illness concerns before facing England and debate over Argentina officials appointed for France vs Morocco.
Official anti-discrimination information is available through FIFA.
