Kylian Mbappé is facing criticism for taunting the Stade Brestois supporters during Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-2 win on Sunday at the Stade Francis Le Blé.
As the captain of the French national team, the 24-year-old is held to a higher standard, especially since he’s playing in France. So, for some media members, that crowd-hushing didn’t sit right.
Nonetheless, Mbappé pushed back at the criticism as he took to X account, formerly Twitter. He defended his actions by showing emotion, even if it meant taunting a French crowd.
“Well, of course, and I should have even sang with them when they insulted my teammate,” Mbappé wrote. “Some have really never set foot on a football pitch, regardless of the level.”
Bah bien sûr et j’aurai même dû chanter avec eux quand ils insultaient mon coéquipier.
Certains ont vraiment jamais mis un pied sur un terrain de football peu importe le niveau…. https://t.co/KdSDPkSEUC— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) October 29, 2023
While the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner does get held to a higher standard, the emotions of a highly contested game should be allowed to take over. It’s a natural human reaction, especially if a player is taking abuse from the away crowd.
Some French pundits understand this and have defended Mbappé for his reaction to scoring the eventual game-winning goal over Brest. Still, this topic is likely going to last a few days.
