Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla has intensified her public criticism of France captain Kylian Mbappe escalating a controversy that has drawn international condemnation and reportedly prompted a criminal investigation in France.

Amarilla, who was previously criticised for making racist remarks about the French forward following Paraguay's 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has refused to retract her comments, launching a fresh verbal attack on the football star.

Her latest remarks come days after Mbappe accused the senator of "brazen racism," saying her comments had damaged Paraguay's international image and overshadowed the country's impressive World Cup campaign.

Paraguay also faced criticism for its physical approach during the Round of 16 encounter, with several observers accusing the team of persistent fouls, simulation and aggressive tactics aimed at disrupting the French side.

Mbappe scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot, but controversy followed after Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill alleged that the France captain refused to shake his hand after the final whistle.

Speaking in the Paraguayan Senate, Amarilla strongly criticised Mbappe over the alleged incident.

"When Orlando Gill, a young man probably playing at his first World Cup and representing Paraguay before the world, extended his hand with humility, Mbappe refused to shake it and shouted in his face," she said, according to RMC Sport.

She added that such behaviour did not reflect the values she associates with France.

"I refuse to reduce France, with its rich cultural, artistic and democratic heritage, to Mbappe," she said.

The senator also defended controversial posts she made on social media after the match, in which she insulted the French forward and made remarks that sparked accusations of racism.

In one post, she criticised Mbappe's character and appearance, while in another she suggested that Paraguay's players had shown restraint by not confronting him after the match.

The comments triggered widespread backlash, with many condemning the language used against the France captain.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media have shown some Paraguay supporters burning effigies of Mbappe following their country's World Cup elimination.

The controversy continues to attract global attention as criticism mounts over both the senator's remarks and the conduct of some Paraguay supporters.

Paraguayan Senator Renews Attack on Mbappe Amid Racism Row

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