Gentle Mates’ AWPer Antonio “MartinezSa” Martinez has issued a public apology after being accused of making a racist comment toward The MongolZ during their ESL Pro League Season 22 match.
I want to sincerely apologize for the words I said during our recent match against The Mongolz.
What I said was completely inappropriate, and I now understand how disrespectful and hurtful it can be.
Coming from a different culture, I haven’t always had the right awareness or…— Martinez (@MartiinezSa) October 7, 2025
The controversy began when MartinezSa was caught on camera shouting, “Don’t jump, Jackie Chan, or you’ll get punished!” after eliminating Techno4k on Mirage. The phrase, referencing the Hong Kong martial arts icon, quickly sparked debate across the Counter-Strike 2 community. While some dismissed it as harmless trash talk, others condemned it as racially insensitive and unacceptable in a professional setting.
“It doesn’t reflect who I am”
Following Gentle Mates’ elimination from the tournament, MartinezSa took to X (formerly Twitter) to apologise, acknowledging that his words were “completely inappropriate” and “disrespectful.”
MartinezSa ended the post by saying he “fully accepts and respects” any sanctions Gentle Mates decide to impose.
Gentle Mates’ and The MongolZ’s responses
Gentle Mates, whose roster is entirely Spanish, swiftly addressed the incident in a statement written in French, calling the player’s remarks “unacceptable” and “contrary to the club’s values.”
Communiqué officiel https://t.co/zZivHbiTP5 pic.twitter.com/JS0JY1ILob
— Gentle Mates (@gentlemates) October 7, 2025
“We unconditionally condemn any manifestations of racism, discrimination, or stereotypes,” the organisation stated. “This incident does not reflect our principles. We apologise to The MongolZ, their community, and everyone who may have been affected by this situation. We expect each player to set an example of respect and responsibility, both on and off the server.”
The organisation confirmed that internal sanctions had been issued against MartinezSa, though the details of those measures were not made public.
In response, The MongolZ took a surprisingly calm stance. implying no offence was taken.
He said “Jackie Chan” and I said “G”
I think it’s bromance. pic.twitter.com/Z0IiSGQO7w
— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) October 7, 2025
Divided community reaction
The apology ignited mixed reactions online. Some praised MartinezSa for taking accountability and hoped it would serve as a learning moment. Others questioned the sincerity of his statement, labelling it a “PR-crafted” apology.
The debate soon broadened into a discussion about cultural sensitivity in esports. Some fans argued that trash talk has always been part of Counter-Strike’s identity, while others stressed that racism and disrespect have no place in competitive gaming.
French content creator M8rgancmoi commented, “There’s a difference between trash talk and racism. It’s not because it’s esports that we can accept what society wouldn’t.”
Despite the backlash, The MongolZ’s grace in handling the situation drew praise, with many commending their professionalism and sportsmanship.
A reflection point for the CS2 scene
This incident underscores the growing challenges of global esports, where players from vastly different backgrounds compete under one spotlight. As CS2 continues to expand worldwide, maintaining mutual respect and cultural awareness becomes just as crucial as performance on the server.
Whether this controversy fades quietly or becomes a turning point for how organisations handle player conduct, it’s a reminder that words in the heat of the moment can echo far beyond the match.