Maria Fernanda Mora may become more of a familiar face and name on your television when the 2018 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off next month in Russia. The FOX Sports Mexico reporter first became a household name earlier this year when she was covering the aftermath of Chivas Guadalajara’s win over Toronto FC in the CONCACAF Champions League and interviewing a group of rowdy fans.
During the live broadcast, Mora became visibly upset when the Chivas fans behind her reportedly started pinching and harassing her.
It was then that the clip went viral because Mora reacted by turning around and defending herself by smacking the offender with her microphone. The cheers from the crowd became silent as everyone dispersed.
“What happened to me at dawn on Thursday, happens to thousands of women every day in public spaces,” she said following the incident, via The Sun. “The difference is that it happened to me during a live link on television and I decided to defend myself.
“My reaction is what turned the fact into something viral.”
This TV reporter defended herself when she was groped by a soccer fan. pic.twitter.com/iOqSbPRiAE
— AJ+ (@ajplus) May 14, 2018
You have to respect Mora for standing up for herself and sending a positive message. It’s also great that she did not allow that to deter her from continuing to reporting for FOX Sports Mexico. We look forward to seeing what is next for Mora during the biggest stage the soccer world has to offer.