Fans of English football club Manchester City confused a new female South Korean player for a man.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the club announced the signing of 25-year-old striker Lee Geum-min, who plays for the women’s national football team of South Korea.
“We’re delighted to announce the signing of South Korean international striker Lee Geum-min! #mancity.”
We’re delighted to announce the signing of South Korean international striker Lee Geum-min! ⚽️
🔵 #mancity pic.twitter.com/16T7Hu1AEh
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 7, 2019
As it turned out, Lee was mistaken to be a male recruit taking the place of an expected signee in the men’s team, Portuguese player João Cancelo.
Cancelo’s signing was announced later on the same day.
John Duerden, a sports journalist covering football in Asia, pointed out the fans’ confusion.
“Man City fans don’t seem to be very welcoming to a new signing that many assume to be a man and not a talented member of the South Korean women’s team.”
Man City fans don’t seem to be very welcoming to a new signing that many assume to be a man and not a talented member of the South Korean women’s team. https://t.co/mIxKPDDbaQ
— John Duerden (@JohnnyDuerden) August 7, 2019
In psychology, the tendency to assume people of another race as “looking alike” is referred to as the “Cross-Race Effect” (CRE).
Such tendency can be explained by the idea that spending more time with people of our own race allows for the development of “perceptual expertise,” or that people think about members of other races more categorically.
“I’m very honoured to be here.
“Manchester City – the name itself – is very attractive to me and I want to experience the English league.
“I will do my best to impress and have a positive impact. I am very excited to join this team.”
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 7, 2019
The logic applies to the prevailing stereotype that all Asians look alike.
Thankfully, it did not take long before one user realized and owned up to their mistake.
Featured Image via Twitter / @ManCity
