Wolves Striker Hwang Hee-chan Subjected to Alleged Racist Remark in Pre-Season Friendly
Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan was at the center of controversy during a recent pre-season friendly match against Italian club Como. Manager Gary O’Neil revealed that Hwang had been targeted with a racist remark by a Como player during the game. The incident occurred in the second half, leading to Wolves forward Daniel Podence being sent off for his reaction.
O’Neil, concerned about the well-being of his player, approached Hwang and offered to abandon the game. However, the 28-year-old South Korean forward insisted that the team should continue playing. Despite the incident, Wolves managed to secure a 1-0 victory at their training camp in Spain.
Expressing his disappointment, O’Neil stated, “Channy heard a racist remark which is really disappointing. I spoke to Channy about it, checked whether he wanted to take the team off or come off himself, but he was keen the team carried on and got the work they needed.”
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football and its impact on players. It is disheartening to see such incidents occurring, and their negative influence on the game cannot be ignored. O’Neil emphasized that such incidents should not be tolerated and expressed his support for Hwang, stating that the team would provide him with full support.
This is not the first time Hwang has faced discrimination on the field. In 2022, Wolves reported an incident of “discriminatory abuse” directed towards Hwang from SC Farense fans during another pre-season friendly. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about the need for stronger action against racism in football.
Following the incident involving Como, Wolves released a statement condemning racism and discrimination in any form. They have pledged to submit a formal complaint to UEFA regarding the incident. It is crucial that football clubs and organizations take a stand against racism and work towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players.
The incident also brings attention to the responsibility of clubs and players to address racism in football. As former Arsenal players Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry are involved with Como, it is essential for them to take a strong stance against racism and support efforts to eradicate it from the sport.
In conclusion, the alleged racist remark directed at Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly highlights the persistent issue of racism in football. It is a matter that needs to be addressed firmly by clubs, players, and governing bodies. By taking a united stand against racism, we can hope for a future where such incidents are eradicated from the beautiful game.