Mexican fan's 'eye-slant' gesture sparks racist controversy at World Cup
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A Mexican football fan is accused of making a racist gesture, the "eye-slant" pose, towards a South Korean YouTuber during the South Korea-Czech Republic World Cup match.
- The incident, captured on video, has sparked controversy, with calls for a public apology from the fan, identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of a civil engineering association in Jalisco.
- Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University condemned the act, emphasizing the need for FIFA to prevent such incidents in the future.
A Mexican football fan is facing accusations of racist behavior after a gesture captured on video during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic. The incident involved a Mexican spectator allegedly making the "eye-slant" gesture, a known racist act against Asians, behind a South Korean YouTuber who was filming a selfie video.
Numerous netizens have reported this. The video clearly shows the man behind the YouTuber pinching the corners of his eyes with his fingers. This gesture has long been used to mock and demean people of Asian descent.
Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University brought attention to the incident, stating that numerous netizens had reported it. The video clearly shows the man behind the YouTuber pinching the corners of his eyes with his fingers. This gesture has long been used to mock and demean people of Asian descent.
The incident gained traction in Mexican media, with local outlet Politico identifying the alleged perpetrator as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, president of the civil engineering association in Jalisco. Local media outlets reportedly criticized Miramontes's actions as shameful, particularly for publicly mocking a female spectator's appearance.
It is unacceptable for such an incident to occur at the World Cup, where people from all nations and races come together as one. Miramontes must issue a public apology.
"It is unacceptable for such an incident to occur at the World Cup, where people from all nations and races come together as one," Professor Seo stated. "Miramontes must issue a public apology." He also urged FIFA to take note of the incident and implement measures to prevent recurrence. The controversy highlights ongoing issues with racism in international sports, even in events designed to foster global unity.
FIFA should also take this incident as a lesson and pay attention to ensure that such a thing does not happen again.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.