Paraguay's government has condemned remarks made by a senator who racially abused France star Kylian Mbappe after Paraguay were eliminated from the World Cup. Celeste Amarilla, a member of the opposition Liberal Party, targeted Mbappe with racist abuse following the match.
Government Condemnation
The Paraguayan foreign ministry issued a statement saying the remarks by Senator Celeste Amarilla were contrary to the values of peaceful coexistence and respect for human dignity. The ministry emphasized that the remarks do not represent the position of the government or the Paraguayan people.
International Outcry
Mbappe and the French government joined in condemning the remarks. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Mbappe, calling the attacks racist. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the remarks, calling for solidarity against racism in football.
Mbappe's Response
Kylian Mbappe responded to the remarks on X, calling Amarilla a 'despicable woman' and stating she does not represent Paraguay. Mbappe highlighted the passion and honor Paraguay showed during the competition.
Why This Matters
This incident underscores the ongoing issue of racism in sports and the need for strong condemnation and action against such behavior. It also highlights the importance of solidarity and support for athletes who face discrimination. For Bangladesh, this serves as a reminder of the global fight against racism and the need for continued efforts to promote respect and equality in all spheres, including sports.
