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Scandal you didn't see live: See what opponent did to Mbappé at end of match
🇭🇷 Croatia /Sports

Scandal you didn't see live: See what opponent did to Mbappé at end of match

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A heated World Cup match between France and Paraguay ended with a confrontation between Kylian Mbappé and Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
  • Gill attempted to shake Mbappé's hand post-game, but Mbappé ignored him, leading Gill to throw the ball at Mbappé's back.
  • Gill later explained he was frustrated in the moment but intended to congratulate Mbappé on France's performance.

A tense World Cup Round of 16 match between France and Paraguay concluded with a controversial incident involving French star Kylian Mbappé and Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill.

Following the final whistle of the fiercely contested game, Gill approached Mbappé, intending to offer a handshake. However, Mbappé, focused on celebrating with his teammates, appeared to ignore Gill's gesture. This perceived snub visibly angered Gill, who then picked up the match ball and threw it forcefully at Mbappé's back, as reported by Spanish outlet AS.

Mbappé did not react significantly to the ball being thrown, continuing his team's celebrations. The incident added a sour note to an already heated match, drawing further attention to the players involved.

Speaking after the game, Gill explained his actions, stating, "I offered him my hand to congratulate him, but he didn't acknowledge me, and I really got caught up in the heat of the moment. It was just that. Afterwards, I calmed down. I just wanted to congratulate him because they played a great tournament and are candidates for the World Cup title."

I offered him my hand to congratulate him, but he didn't acknowledge me, and I really got caught up in the heat of the moment. It was just that. Afterwards, I calmed down. I just wanted to congratulate him because they played a great tournament and are candidates for the World Cup title.

— Orlando GillThe Paraguayan goalkeeper explained his frustration and subsequent actions after the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.