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Korea FA contacts Fifa over alleged racist abuse of Hwang

Hwang Hee-chan looks onImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Hwang Hee-chan scored 12 goals in the Premier League last season for Wolves

  • Published

The Korean Football Association has written to Fifa to express "serious concerns" after Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan was the target of an alleged racist remark by a Como player in a pre-season friendly.

South Korea forward Hwang reported the remark during Monday's friendly in Marbella, Spain.

Como said one of their players made a reference surrounding Hwang's name.

The Italian club said they did not consider the remark racist, adding "the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion".

Wolves and Hwang insist it was racist and are working with the English Football Association to formalise their complaint, which will be sent to Uefa and the Italian FA.

European football's governing body Uefa previously claimed it had no power to investigate because it was not a Uefa competition match.

The KFA has now taken the matter to world football's governing body, Fifa.

The KFA said: "In an official letter sent to Fifa on July 18, the Korea Football Association expressed serious concern about the racist behaviour suffered by Hwang Hee-chan from an opposing team player during a recent practice match, and issued a call to prevent racial discrimination occurring on the soccer field.

"In order to eradicate it, we asked Fifa to further strengthen sanctions against perpetrators."

Wolves said the incident took place midway through the second half, with forward Daniel Podence sent off for throwing a punch in the aftermath.

Boss Gary O'Neil asked Hwang if he wanted to abandon the game but the 28-year-old declined, with Wolves going on to win 1-0.

Hwang subsequently "Racism is intolerable in sports and in all aspects of life.

"After the incident, the coaching staff and my team-mates immediately told me that they would leave the field with me if needed, and they kept checking on my wellbeing.

"I am very grateful to my team-mates once again."