MotoGP riders have condemned the Marc Marquez booing incident at Misano amid controversial Rossi rivalry.
The recent San Marino Grand Prix at Misano has reignited discussions around the treatment of MotoGP riders following the ‘disrespectful’ booing by fans directed at Marc Marquez during the podium ceremony.
The incident prompted a wave of support for the six-time world champion from fellow riders and teams who claimed the act was ‘disrespectful’, highlighting a need for respect among fans and participants alike.
During the prize-giving ceremony, as Marquez celebrated his victory, a section of the crowd expressed their discontent through boos, a reaction that has historical roots tied to his past rivalry with Valentino Rossi.
This rivalry dates back to 2015 when Marquez’s actions were perceived to have thwarted Rossi’s hopes to secure a tenth world title. While the intensity of the booing was less compared to previous years, it was still palpable enough to be noticed by both the Spaniard and his fellow MotoGP riders.
In response to the crowd’s behavior, reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia took it upon himself to mediate and gestured towards the fans in an attempt to quell their disapproval.
The Ducati rider has now revealed his attempt to defend Marc Marquez booing from fans resulted to criticism and has condemned what happened at Misano.
“Like Morbidelli said two or three weeks ago, haters will always hate, so I think it’s a good answer,” he said. “It is really disrespectful because I think we are giving our maximum every time and it’s something that I don’t understand.
“I read in some interview that it only happens in Italy, but it’s not true because it also happened to me in Barcelona when I won.
“When you are there and you know that you are giving your maximum and you are trying to be better and better and take the best result possible and people in front of you are booing.
“It’s very disrespectful. But honestly it’s something that happens in all sports. Could be better if in our sport it could be more clean. But it’s difficult to stop.”
Marquez himself addressed the situation with a composed demeanor, indicating that he has learned to ignore such reactions over time. He thanked Bagnaia for attempting to silence the crowd and remarked that negativity from fans often reflects their own unhappiness rather than any shortcomings on his part.
“It’s something that has been there,” the 31-year old said. “It’s true that the fans need to follow or support one rider or another, but the way to understand the sport is if you follow or support one rider, you just don’t care about the other one.
“If you don’t care about the other one it’s not necessary to boo. But at the same time, I want to say thanks to Pecco because I did not see it at the podium at the moment.
“But then they showed me a video that he was trying to calm a bit and this is something that the riders can stop and not the people or the journalists.
Enea Bastianini voiced his disapproval of the Marc Marquez booing, labeling it as “not beautiful” and underscoring the need for respect within the sport.
“It’s never pleasant to hear whistles,” he said. “I hope this will change. Respect for all drivers must come first, it is essential.”
Jorge Martin, another prominent MotoGP rider, pointed out racers gamble with their lives every time and deserve recognition for their bravery and skill rather than derision from spectators.
“Getting booed after risking your life on a motorcycle is not respectful,” he said. “For me we are giving our 100%.
“Our life is a gamble, because we can die out there. For me there should be a bit more respect and this booing makes no sense.”
While the Misano incident is not an isolated case; booing and jeering has been part of motorsport culture for years. However, it detracts from the spirit of competition and can create a toxic environment for both riders and fans.
Despite the criticism, Marquez will be looking to add a third successive victory as MotoGP riders return to Misano this weekend for the Emilia Romagna GP.
