In brief
During the South Korea versus Czech Republic match in Guadalajara on 11 June 2026, a Mexican spectator made a slanted‑eye gesture that was widely condemned as racist. A YouTuber and TikTok star shared a video of the incident, which quickly went viral and sparked a wave of criticism from fans worldwide. The man, Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, later issued a public apology and was stripped of his position as president of a regional engineering guild. The episode highlights the ongoing challenges of racism in international sports and the power of social media to hold individuals accountable.
During the 2026 World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium, a Mexican spectator was recorded pulling the corners of his eyes in a slanted‑eye gesture— a sign many consider a racist caricature of East Asian faces. The clip was shared by a YouTuber and TikTok creator who was watching the game, and the photo spread rapidly across social media.
The gesture, widely condemned by fans and commentators, prompted a torrent of criticism from people around the world. In particular, Mexican netizens expressed strong disgust, demanding the man be held accountable for his disrespectful act.
Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, the man caught on camera, took to an online platform to issue a public apology. In his statement he acknowledged that the video had "generated a wide range of reactions" and expressed deep regret for the offense caused. The apology was calm and sincere, without attempts to justify or defend the gesture.
Following the backlash, Bernal was removed from his role as president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco (CITGEJ). The decision was confirmed by a CITGEJ spokesperson and was reported by the New York Post.
The incident has served as a reminder of the persistent issue of racism in sport, and of the growing power of social media to both amplify and help rectify such incidents. While the gesture sparked outrage at the time, the subsequent apology and professional consequence demonstrate a willingness to address and correct racist behavior.
