ESPN reporter under fire after angry Tweet towards Perez

Sergio Perez is a national hero in Mexico. The Red Bull Racing driver can hardly take a step in his homeland or he is greeted by enthusiastic fans. This sometimes leads to uncomfortable situations. One reporter from sports channel ESPN was particularly upset that Perez did not want his picture taken with his son, after father and child saw the driver in a restaurant.

On Twitter, journalist Miguel Gonzalez wrote off the anger. In a now-deleted Tweet, he said, "Thank you Perez for ignoring and turning your back on my son when you left the restaurant. Kindly I approached you to ask if you wanted to take a picture with him and you refused and told me you were with your family."

Full right to say 'no'

In a follow-up tweet, Gonzalez continued, "The kid waited until you were done and left, not to be cheeky. So sad that it bothers you that a child asks you for a photo, even though you have every right to refuse. By the way, you left rubbish on the table. Haven't you learned by your family?"

The series of posts by the sports broadcaster's reporter did not earn him thanks. On social media, many people reacted, mostly speaking up for the Red Bull Racing driver. They often insisted that Perez should be left alone as he also has a private life.

Gonzalez has since apologised via Twitter. "Today I have to offer my sincere apologies to Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, I understand that is in his right. My reaction was wrong. Sincere apologies," the journalist wrote.

Hoy me toca ofrecer una sincera disculpa a @SChecoPerez insisto en que él está en todo su derecho. Mi reacción fue equivocada.

Disculpa sincera.

— Miguel González (@mg_michel) April 9, 2023