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'The Korean Guy'Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) was racist in a pre-season game, local media reported.
Britain 'Express & Star' reported on the 16th (Korea Standard Time) that Como defender made racist remarks to Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly between Wolverhampton and Italian club Como in Marveya, Spain.
The media outlet said "Wolverhampton led 1-0 until the 23rd minute of the second half. Daniel Podense was sent off after punching Como's defender during a fight between the two players. Hwang Hee-chan complained to Como about racist remarks and summarized the incident after Wolves players got angry together." It is not yet clear exactly what Como defender said to Hwang Hee-chan.
Coaches and players from both teams discussed whether to continue the game. Wolverhampton coach Gary O'Neill directly asked Hwang Hee-chan about his intention to play, and Hwang Hee-chan replied that he wanted to continue playing despite the shock of racism. Matt Doherty's opening goal gave Wolverhampton a 1-0 win.
Speaking to Express & Star after the game, O'Neill said, `Hwang Hee-chan was angry at one of the opposing players. Teammates comforted and supported Hwang Hee-chan. Fodense tried to support Hwang Hee-chan, but was sent off because the action was a little excessive. He apologized for this. It may have been for his team-mates, but he has to keep his good faith."
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O'Neill kept saying, `When I asked Hwang Hee-chan if he wanted me to stop playing, he said he wanted to keep playing. Hwang Hee-chan did his best for the team even in such a painful situation. It shows what Hwang Hee-chan is like to us and how important he is. He will have our full support.'
Finally "I'm really disappointed with the racist incident. Before the incident, the two teams played well.' The club issued an official statement on the evening of the 15th saying, `No form of racism or discrimination is acceptable and should not be ignored. Our club will file an official complaint with the UEFA regarding the incident."
This is not the first time Hwang Hee-chan has been racist while working in Europe. Hwang Hee-chan suffered racism from fans of his opponents during the 2022 pre-season against Portuguese club Farense.
Meanwhile, Hwang Hee-chan is strongly connected to the prestigious French city of Marseille. French media 'Foot Mercato' reported that Hwang Hee-chan delivered his intention to join Marseille to the club while the two clubs were negotiating a transfer.
Roberto de Gerbi Marcelo, who led EPL Brighton until last season, is said to want to recruit Hwang Hee-chan to strengthen the offense in the new season. 'Foot Mercato' reported that Marseille offered €20 million (about W30.2 billion), but Wolverhampton wanted a higher amount. Hwang Hee-chan, who scored 12 goals in the EPL in the 2023-2024 season and shot a 'career high', is under contract until June 2028.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
