World Cup Outrage: Mexican Man Apologises After Racist Gesture at South Korea vs Czech Match
A spectator from Mexico was caught on video drawing the corners of his eyes during the World Cup showdown between South Korea and the Czech Republic. The gesture, widely recognised as a derogatory slant‑eyes pose toward East Asians, sparked a swift backlash on social media.
The clip circulated after South Korean content creator Yoon Su‑jin, also known online as Ino Cat, posted it on Instagram. Her post, which highlighted the world‑traveling fans, attracted more than 120,000 re‑posts and 65,000 comments, many of which condemned the conduct and called for a response.
In the days that followed, the man – identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes – publicly apologised. He expressed regret for the behaviour that “generally caused a range of reactions” and pledged to act with respect in the future. The apology was shared across his social platforms, where he clarified that his actions did not represent all Mexicans.
The controversy also had tangible consequences for Bernal. Reports confirmed that he was stripped of his position as president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco (CITGEJ). The governing body confirmed the removal, indicating that the incident had breached professional standards.
The match itself ended in a 2‑1 victory for South Korea, who fought back from a deficit. The incident, however, cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment of global sportsmanship.
Source: Getty Images
