Kylian Mbappe is becoming the center of mixed public opinion about his actions and statements to protect his teammate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, when the Moroccan player is constantly insulted by Brest fans.
Mbappe rarely causes trouble or acts excessively in front of rival fans. However, after scoring the goal that sealed PSG’s 3-2 victory at Francis-le-Ble Stadium, the captain of France and PSG in this match (Marquinhos did not play due to injury, so Mbappe took on the captain’s armband), The 24-year-old superstar had a celebration, indicating that Brest fans should remain silent or lower their tone.
Normally, Mbappe always receives a warm welcome from home team fans when PSG plays away from home. He himself is always very gentle, cheerful and polite. But in front of Brest fans in Sunday night’s match, it was the opposite. Why did you react like that?
Perhaps, it stemmed from the brawl between players from both sides right before Mbappe’s second goal. Many Brest players surrounded Mbappe to threaten and create tension to distract him before taking the penalty kick. Jonas Martin even pushed Mbappe a meter away, causing teammates Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz to jump in to defend him.
In the stands, many spectators cursed Hakimi as “a rapist who needs to be swept out of the football world” (Hakimi was accused of rape last March – PV). Therefore, after scoring the second goal, Mbappe, while celebrating, turned to the Brest fans’ stands with a hint that they should lower their voices and stop attacking Hakimi.
On television, L’Equpe journalist Bertrand Latour frankly criticized Mbappe’s response and affirmed that the captain of the French national team should not have done that. Soon after, Mbappe also spoke up on his personal Twitter account: “Oh, of course, I should have even sung with them when they cursed and insulted my teammates. Some people have never really set foot on the field, regardless of their level…”.
Certainly Mbappe’s actions will cause much controversy later. He is always exceptionally attractive, both positive and negative, on the field.