MY ACCOUNT
Argentina’s World Cup celebrations were “vulgar” and evidence of them being “inelegant winners”, according to French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera.
It was confirmed on Thursday that French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet wrote to his Argentinian counterpart, Claudio Tapia, to complain about the “abnormal” and “shocking” taunts towards Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties following an enthralling 3-3 draw after extra time in Sunday’s World Cup final, sparking elaborate celebrations over the coming days in Buenos Aires.
Millions took to the streets of Argentina’s capital, with Tuesday’s victory parade ultimately cut short due to the huge crowds causing the team’s bus to be held up.
During the celebrations, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was seen holding a doll bearing Mbappe’s face.
The Aston Villa player also landed himself in hot water for comments about his efforts to put off Aurelien Tchouameni – who missed his penalty – in the shoot-out, and for social media footage that showed Martinez calling for a “moment of silence” for Mbappe in the dressing room after the final.
Several France players were also subject to racist messages from members of the public on social media, and the whole ordeal left a sour taste for Oudea-Castera.
Speaking to RTL, she said: “We have to ask the Argentine Football Association [AFA] for an explanation and moreover Noel Le Graet has done, he asked his counterpart Claudio Tapia.
“I find it pitiful. As much as our French team knew how to lose with panache, so much of how this Argentinian team acted following this victory is not worthy of the match we saw.
“There was still inappropriate mockery there against Tchouameni [by Martinez], it’s just vulgar and inappropriate.
“They are inelegant winners. There is inappropriate mockery, and unacceptable racist acts [on social media].
“I am glad that Le Graet has filed a complaint and is taking this step with his counterpart. Emiliano Martinez does not distinguish himself, it’s quite pathetic.
“I was able to speak with Kylian Mbappe on the plane back and he has a step back from that. The best answer to bring is to return to the field and make the football speak.”
