Ulises Fernando Bernal Miramontes has apologized publicly after facing backlash over a viral World Cup video that showed him making a racist gesture toward South Korean creator Ino Cat during a match in Guadalajara.
In a video statement, Bernal said he was “very sorry” for what happened and acknowledged that the gesture was inappropriate. He said he did not want to justify his behavior or argue about intent, but instead wanted to take responsibility and speak directly to the harm caused by his actions.
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The controversy began when Ino Cat, a South Korean content creator known online for posting from the tournament, filmed herself waving to the crowd. Behind her, a man wearing a Mexico football shirt looked directly at her camera and used his fingers to pull back the corners of his eyes, a gesture widely recognized as racist and mocking toward Asians. Several people around him appeared to laugh and cheer during the incident, while the creator remained composed and kept smiling for the camera.
The clip quickly spread across social media and drew anger from viewers who condemned the behavior and praised Ino Cat for her calm response. Many commenters said they were shocked to see such a gesture at a global sporting event, while others noted that racism and mockery toward Asian fans still remain common experiences in international settings.
Bernal said he had already resigned from his role at the College of Topographic and Geomatic Engineers of Jalisco in order to keep the institution separate from the matter. He said the decision was necessary because the incident was personal, and he did not want his position or the organization he represented to be associated with the controversy.
He also said he had contacted Ino Cat and intended to apologize to her in person in the coming days. In the apology, Bernal said the situation had been painful and that it had forced him to reflect on the consequences of his actions. He said he understood that saying sorry was not enough on its own, but that accountability was necessary:
“Whenever a foreigner comes to Mexico, we want them to feel at home, and I did the opposite. That’s why I’m making this video: to publicly apologize to Ino Cat, the Korean woman affected by the inappropriate gesture I made a few days ago during the Korea match at the Guadalajara stadium. I also apologize to the Korean community, the foreign community, and to Mexicans who do not feel represented by my actions.
From the heart, I am very sorry, and I think it is wise to recognize when we make a mistake. This morning, I also submitted my resignation from the position I held at the College of Engineers, because I want to separate the institution from these events. This is something purely personal, and I will accept the consequences as I should.
I have already contacted Ino Cat so I can see her in the next few days and apologize to her face-to-face, as I should. This is something that truly hurts me because of the situation it has caused, but I want to say from the heart that I am very sorry, and something like this will never happen again. Thank you very much.”
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The incident has become part of a wider conversation about racism in football, especially at major international tournaments where fans from many countries gather in shared public spaces. Critics of discriminatory behavior say stadiums and governing bodies must do more to identify offenders, enforce rules, and make clear that racist conduct will not be tolerated.
Bernal’s apology appears to be an attempt to address that pressure directly. He said he regretted the harm caused to the Korean community, foreign spectators, and Mexicans who felt the gesture did not reflect them. He added that he hoped something like this would never happen again.
