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.
📸 Postales de una noche inolvidable 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Zmd78w2Xqc
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) December 20, 2022