Engineering boss loses job over racist gesture at South Korean fan during World Cup

15 Jun 2026 • 6:48 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Engineering boss loses job over racist gesture at South Korean fan during World Cup

  • A Mexican man was filmed making an offensive, racist gesture towards people of Asian descent during a World Cup match between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara.
  • The incident was captured on video by Korean YouTuber Yoon Su Jin, also known as Ino Cat, who subsequently posted it on her Instagram, where it quickly went viral.
  • The man was identified as Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes, who served as the president of the College of Geomatics and Topographic Surveying Engineers of the State of Jalisco (Citgej).
  • Following widespread outrage and the video's virality, Mr Bernal issued an apology, expressing regret for his actions and acknowledging his responsibility.
  • Citgej, the professional association he led, launched an internal review and subsequently confirmed that Mr Bernal had been removed from his position, emphasising their commitment to respect and hospitality.

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