Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something

Sep 22, 2024

Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something
사진=Action Images via Reuters-REUTER Yonhap News



We can't wait and see. Doubts that this is also an attitude from the consciousness of 'racism' are solidifying into conviction.

The cynical attitude of the British local media toward Tottenham Hotspur Captain Son Heung-min (32) and the furious reaction of some Tottenham fans went too far. This is because harsh criticism is pouring in even though he led the team to a come-from-behind victory by recording two assists in one game with dedicated and selfless plays.

This time, he is criticizing for failing to score a goal due to 'lack of confidence' and 'excessive arrogance'. From the beginning, 'lack of confidence' and 'lack of pride' are difficult concepts to reconcile with each other. Nevertheless, the coexistence of these expressions is evidence, whether it is just an emotional snub, not a reasonable criticism from the beginning.



Son Heung-min started in the fifth round of the English Premier League (EPL) home game against Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Tottenham, England, on the night of the 21st (Korea time), helping his team win 3-1. With the victory, Tottenham ended its second consecutive league victory and rose to 10th place in the league with seven points (2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses).

Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something
On this day, Son Heung-min started as the team's captain and side striker and led the team to a come-from-behind victory with selfless play. Both the winning goal and the net goal came from Son Heung-min's toes. The first assist of the season led to Brennan Johnson's come-from-behind goal in the 28th minute of the first half when the score was 1-1. James Maddison took the ball and handed it sharply to Johnson, who completed it with a goal.



Son Heung-min then scored his second assist of the day in the 40th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min, who quickly counterattacked in a 2-1 situation, broke through the box and pushed the ball in front of Madison's feet, which was rushing from the left with a fantastic pass that penetrated the defense's legs. Madison scored the net with a superb chip shot and Tottenham were able to complete a 3-1 victory.

Son Heung-min, who assisted both his team's come-from-behind and net goals, showed good performance in various indicators on the day. The pass success rate for seven key passes was 86%. The number of big chances was created twice, and dribbles and long passes were also successful one each. In the end, he was chosen as the official MVP after the game. The approval rating reached 52.9 percent. It was the second time this season to become the Most Valuable Player after the second round.



Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something
Objectively, Son Heung-min was recognized for his best performance. In terms of records and impact, it is undeniable that Son Heung-min performed well. All the statistics companies specializing in records gave the best evaluations. Footmob gave a 9.0 rating, while Huscoordcom gave an 8.3 rating. The sofa score was 8.7 points as well. All of them are ranked first and second in the team. This is the normal reference point.

Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something
However, another British soccer media outlet 90min gave a ridiculous rating of only six points. Then "It was the day Son Heung-min played. After failing to penetrate Flecken in the first half and missing the opportunity to score, he seemed to lack confidence. Still, I recorded two assists" he evaluated.

It's very biased and malicious content. In particular, there is even an attitude that the two assists can be handled arbitrarily. Spurs Webb, who specializes in Tottenham's news, also said, `Son Heung-min had a golden opportunity in front of goalkeeper Mark Fletken, but he dragged the ball too long. A goal should have been scored, but arrogance and confidence prevented it." There was no mention of the two help records that led to the team win. He seems desperate to bring down Son Heung-min, emphasizing only his mistakes.

This attitude of some local media seems to have originated from the Tottenham club's neglect of Son Heung-min. And this attitude of the club and some media has reached some fans, even criticizing Son Heung-min as the 'worst captain ever'.

Son Heung-min, who is criticized for his strong performance in 2AS, is this racist or something
However, given Son Heung-min's accumulated record and impact so far, such criticism is very unfair. He has consistently performed as a legend for Tottenham so far. However, it is hard to find any respect for Son Heung-min.

It's a strange thing. It is hard to find a player who has shown the team's legendary impact by performing this consistently, always doing his best in fan service with a healthy image, and openly showing his affection for the team. Nevertheless, where is the background of his attitude to continue to undermine Son Heung-min.

There is only one doubt. Son Heung-min is Asian. Therefore, it is a phenomenon that cannot be explained except that some Britons who take pride in 'Soccer Terminus' are discriminated against. Although it is not openly revealed, it is the reality of racism that Son Heung-min is facing with the implicit ignorance and disparagement.

Reporter Lee Won-man wman@sportschosun.com



wman@sportschosun.com