Calling Hwang Hee-chan 'Racism'Courto to 'Jackie Chan' Courtois Suspended from FIFA for 10 Games 'Withdrawal'
Oct 08, 2024
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According to multiple media on the 7th (Korea time), FIFA suspended Courtois for 10 games after he was found responsible for making discriminatory remarks. For five games, half of them, the execution of suspension will be suspended for two years.
The incident occurred last July. Hwang Hee-chan was exposed to racism in a friendly match against Italian Serie A side Como 1907 on July 16. I heard racist comments from Como, and my teammates kept Hwang Hee-chan. Daniel Podense punched a player who made racist comments to Hwang Hee-chan and was immediately shown a red card. Not only Podence but also other teammates were angry and engaged in a war of nerves with Como players. Hwang Hee-chan, who was put in at the beginning of the second half, played until the end even after the racist incident. Wolverhampton won 1-0 over Como.
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.
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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."
In response, the Como club first said "Our club does not tolerate racism and absolutely opposes all forms of racism. The club said "We spoke with the player's lawyer to see what he meant. Here's what our player said to his lawyer. Ignore him. He thinks he's Jackie Chan. After a long conversation with the player, we were able to confirm that Wolverhampton players constantly referred to (Hwang Hee-chan)'Chani'."
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Wolverhampton issued an official statement saying, `No form of racism or discrimination is acceptable and should be ignored. Our club will file an official complaint with the UEFA regarding the incident."
Hwang Hee-chan expressed his feelings through his SNS. He said 'Racism cannot be tolerated in sport and in every part of life' After the incident, the coaching staff and fellow players immediately said they would leave the stadium if necessary and then continued to check on me. Once again, I am grateful to my colleagues..." And despite all this, I wanted to keep playing, and we did what we had to do on the field. Thank you to everyone who sent a message of support. There is no place for racism.
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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.
In the end, FIFA confirmed the severe punishment as a result of the investigation. Wolverhampton's chief football officer Matt Wilde said he welcomed FIFA's decision. "This kind of disciplinary action sends a clear message that racism should not be allowed in football," he said. "Wolverhampton will do its best to create an environment where every member can be respected and feel a sense of belonging."
Courtois left Como on loan to Italian second-tier side Chesena a week after the practice game in question erupted following the controversy over his racist comments against Hwang Hee-chan.
vanbasten@sportschosun.com
