In a significant development in international football, South Korea’s football association has lodged an official complaint with FIFA regarding an alleged racist incident involving Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-Chan. The incident, which occurred during a pre-season match in Spain, has sparked a controversy that highlights ongoing issues of racism in football.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) sent an official letter to FIFA on Thursday, expressing “serious concern about the racist acts suffered by Hwang Hee-Chan.” The association has called upon FIFA to take decisive action to “eradicate racism on the soccer field,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The alleged incident took place during a match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Italian club Como. An unnamed Como player was accused of referring to Hwang as ‘Jackie Chan’, a reference to the renowned Hong Kong movie star. This comparison, regardless of intent, has been interpreted as a racist remark by Hwang and his team.
Como has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that their player “did not say anything in a derogatory manner.” The Italian club claims that the incident has been “blown out of proportion” due to the reaction of certain Wolves players. Como further clarified that the player’s comment was, “Ignore him, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan,” which they insist was in reference to Hwang’s name and the frequent use of ‘Channy’ by his teammates on the pitch.
Hwang Hee-Chan took to Instagram to address the incident, stating that his coaching staff and teammates offered to leave the field with him “if needed.” The South Korean international emphasized that “Racism is intolerable in sports and in all aspects of life,” a sentiment that resonated with his followers, garnering over 143,500 likes.
Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil has publicly declared the club’s full support for Hwang, reinforcing the team’s stance against racism. This incident is not isolated, as other South Korean players have faced similar challenges in European leagues. Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min was subjected to racist abuse on social media in 2021, leading to the arrest of eight individuals. Son has also spoken about facing “unimaginable” racism during his early career in Germany.
The controversy surrounding Hwang Hee-Chan serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of racism in football. It highlights the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity in the sport. As FIFA investigates the complaint, the football community awaits their response and potential actions to address this ongoing problem in the beautiful game.
