World Cup selfie sparks 'slanting eyes' racism row; professor demands apology

A racist gesture made by a Mexican soccer fan towards a South Korean spectator during a World Cup match has ignited controversy, prompting calls for a public apology. The incident occurred at the Guadalajara stadium during the Group A match between South Korea and Czech Republic.

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This is an unacceptable act. As you well know, the act of pulling one's eyes wide with fingers has been pointed out as a representative racist act used to demean Asians.

A South Korean YouTuber was filming a selfie video in the stands when a man seated behind him, wearing Mexican national team colors, turned to the camera and performed the "slanting eyes" gesture using his fingers. Professor Seo Kyeong-deok of Sungshin Women's University, a prominent activist against cultural insensitivity, immediately condemned the act.

"This is an unacceptable act," Seo stated on his Facebook page. "As you well know, the act of pulling one's eyes wide with fingers has been pointed out as a representative racist act used to demean Asians." He added that local Mexican media had identified the man involved.

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A public apology must be made.

Seo emphasized the unacceptability of such behavior on the global stage of the World Cup, where nations come together. He demanded a public apology from the fan and urged FIFA, the international governing body for soccer, to take note of the incident and ensure it does not happen again. South Korea won the match 2-1, marking their first opening game victory in the World Cup since 2010.

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FIFA should take this incident as a lesson and pay attention to ensure such a thing is never repeated.