Rivalries between elite athletes are an integral part of sport, but even when there is respect among competitors, fans sometimes fail to reflect this in a positive way.
Between boos and hateful messages, sad episodes in sport are common in various disciplines. MotoGP is no exception, as was once again shown at the San Marino GP in Misano.
The winner was Marc Márquez (Gresini/Ducati), who has been unpopular in Italy since his rivalry with Valentino Rossi – even now that he is preparing to become a Ducati rider from 2025. As a result, he was booed during the award ceremony, which did not add any dignity to the moment.
Óscar Haro, former director of LCR Honda, strongly criticised this behaviour of the fans. In a discussion on Nico Abad’s YouTube channel, the Spaniard said:
– I am again against the haters who are able to boo a rider who risked his life going to the podium. All those who boo a rider and have no respect for a rider or this sport, go to another sport! We don’t need you. Since I started watching motorcycle racing, there have been no such things. It’s pathetic.
