Korean Soccer Player Endures Racial Slurs From Opposing Team, Wins Anyways
By Khier Casino
March 14, 2017
Son Heung-min, a forward and winger for the South Korean National Football Team and Tottenham Hotspur, was the target of racial slurs from some Millwall FC fans during an FA Cup quarter-final game.
Chants of “DVD” and “he’s selling three for a fiver,” apparently in reference to the racist stereotype of Asians selling pirated copies of films, were directed at the 24-year-old South Korean soccer player during the March 12 game, according to the BBC.
But Son seemed unfazed by the taunts of Millwall fans and silenced them by scoring three goals in Tottenham’s 6-0 victory over their opponents to advance to the semi-finals.
Millwall boss Neil Harris called for the fans shouting the slurs to be dealt with “harshly,” adding that “It’s a shame to be talking about this.”
“I didn’t hear anything but myself and the club won’t condone that if there is. I’m sure it will be investigated and left to the authorities,” Harris said. “We want people dealt with harshly of course. It’s wrong in society and wrong in football.”
The English Football Association is currently investigating the incident.
“We strongly condemn the use of any racist language. We shall be passing on all of our footage to the relevant authorities which can assist with the identification of anyone responsible for making such chants at Sunday’s game,” a spokesperson said.
This isn’t the first time Son has been targeted by racist remarks.
Son received a yellow card for a wild tackle on Roberto Firmino during a game against Liverpool in February, according to Korea Times.
On an NBC TV replay, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon made a “haaiyaa” sound before claiming it was a “karate kick.”
Son became the most expensive Asian soccer player in history after joining Tottenham for $26 million, according to Koreaboo.
He was also the first Asian player to receive the Player of the Month award.
Watch Son making great plays at the FA cup match against Millwall below starting at 2:56:
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