MotoGP bosses need to issue a statement after crowd reaction to Marc Marquez crash at Misano

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Marc Marquez crashed out from the lead in Saturday’s Sprint race at the San Marino Grand Prix. His off was met with some cheers from the grandstands.

Marquez started fourth but stormed into second place at the start. Marco Bezzecchi made a couple of slight mistakes in the lead, and that opened the door for the Ducati rider to take the lead.

But Marquez, who has won the last eight Sprints, saw his streak come to an end after a high-speed fall at turn 15. He climbed up from the barriers unscathed.

There were audible cheers from the microphones on the side of the circuit, and Dorna’s world feed broadcast cut to footage of some fans cheering.

MotoGP bosses need to condemn cheers after Marc Marquez’s crash

The reaction wasn’t a surprise. This is Valentino Rossi’s home circuit, and many of his fans still view Marquez as the enemy following his explosive rivalry with The Doctor.

Coming into the race, Marquez even disputed accusations that he never wanted to win the title this weekend due to the likely hostility from the crowd. The earliest he can seal the championship is the Japanese GP in a fortnight’s time, having lost out to his brother in Barcelona.

• READ MORE: MotoGP Sprint race results as Marco Bezzecchi wins after Marc Marquez crash at Misano

Marquez was booed on the podium in Gresini colours last year, and again at Mugello in June. But cheering a crash, regardless of the outcome, is much more serious.

MotoGP bosses should now release a statement condemning those who celebrated given the dangerous nature of the sport. That’s unlikely to have a major effect, but they must make their stance clear and do all they can to ensure rivalries remain respectful.

Ducati’s request to Misano fans before the San Marino Grand Prix

Davide Tardozzi tried to silence the Mugello boos earlier this year, pointing out that Marquez was wearing red. But even riding for the Bologna-based team hasn’t redeemed him in the eyes of his fiercest critics.

In a video that was released on social media, test rider Michele Pirro asked the Misano fans to cheer every Ducati rider. He pointed out that ‘there are many working behind the scenes’ who had no involvement in the Marquez vs Rossi rivalry.

Scott Redding says Rossi could control his fans if he truly wished. Francesco Bagnaia gestured to the crowd to stop booing at this event last year.

But there’s no sign of any reconciliation, even four years after Rossi retired. The VR46 boss celebrated with Bezzecchi after the race, delighted for his former rider.