FANS slammed Emmanuel Macron as the French president tried to console heroic World Cup final loser Kylian Mbappe – before getting brutally snubbed.
Viewers believe Mbappe told his nation’s leader to “get away from me” as Macron hugged France’s hat-trick star after the agony of seeing Argentina win a shoot-out.
The president was accused of attempting to win over public opinion after strong criticism for attending the tournament.
Macron has defended his visit despite allegations linking high-ranking Qataris to corruption claims in the European parliament.
But he got a chilly response on the pitch and online after stepping out to comfort his shell-shocked countrymen.
Macron persisted in patting Mbappe, pulling the PSG striker close and cradling his head.
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But the 23-year-old refused to look at him and seemed to find his approach too much.
Macron also joined Argentina’s Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez in attempting to console Mbappe when he sat on the turf looking distraught.
Fans were sceptical over his motives and were not happy about how he wouldn’t leave Mbappe alone.
One said: “Mbappe clearly doesn’t want Macron all over him trying to get political points.”
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Another noted Macron’s grip on the frontman’s arm and posted: “Mbappe wants to get away from Macron so bad but he ain’t letting him go.”
Similar observations flooded in, such as: “Mbappe doesn’t care about Macron at all.”
In essence, fans were annoyed by what they saw as Macron failing to read the room.
One viewer wrote: “Not the moment, mate: Mbappe and Deschamps both completely blank President Macron.”
Another claimed: “Macron is utterly desperate for a reaction from Mbappe but in three major efforts, the striker gives him no eye contact, and no photo opportunity.”
Likewise: “Mbappe does NOT wanna be Macron’s mate. He should stop touching his face.”
The pacy attacker had become only the second man, after England’s 1966 hero Geoff Hurst, to net a World Cup final hat-trick.
Mbappe’s treble, including two penalties, led France’s 3-3 comeback draw.
He also thumped home his shootout effort but Argentina still won it 4-2 thanks to Martinez’s heroics.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
