At a buzzing World Cup match in Guadalajara, a Mexican fan named Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, who was the president of a local engineering guild, sparked a controversy by pulling the corners of his eyes in a gesture that many see as a slanted‑eye joke. The clip, recorded by a South Korean content creator and shared on Instagram by Yoon Su‑jin (also known as Ino Cat), was posted with an ironic caption about experiencing racism.
The clip went viral, amassing over 65,000 comments and 120,000 shares. Mexican users expressed strong disapproval, and many felt that the gesture was “disgusting” and disrespectful to East Asians. In response, Bernal issued a public apology, stating that the video “has generated a wide range of reactions” and that he “sincerely regrets everything this situation has caused.” His apology also noted that he had reflected on the incident and that he would continue to act with respect.
Following the backlash, Bernal was removed from his role as president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of Jalisco (CITGEJ). The incident has prompted broader discussions about cultural sensitivity, online conduct, and the responsibility that public figures hold, especially in the sports arena.
Meanwhile, the match itself saw South Korea rally from a deficit to win 2‑1 against the Czech Republic. Fans and commentators alike noted that the game’s excitement and the subsequent controversy showed how quickly moments can spill onto the digital battleground.
It’s a reminder that in the age of social media, a single gesture can have lasting repercussions, and that accountability can come from unexpected directions—even from passive observers on the field.
