‘I really hope today could be the last day of people’s suffering from racism’
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan has spoken out on the racist abuse he suffered during the club’s pre-season friendly in Portugal.
The South Korean attacker was subjected to racist abuse by SC Farense fans during a 1-1 draw with the Portuguese side on Sunday, with Wolves reporting the abuse to UEFA.
Speaking out on the abuse he suffered, the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram: “We are all the same human beings. We all need to have a mature attitude on enjoying sports.”
He added: “I really hope today could be the last day of people’s suffering from racism. Not only in sport. But everywhere. No to racism.”
View this post on Instagram
As the former RB Leipzig man stepped up to take a penalty, he saw some members of the crowd making racist gestures towards him.
Wolves release statement condemning the racist abuse
He reported it to the referee and Wolves officials, and the West Midlands club immediately released a club statement condemning the racism suffered by one of their players – urging Farense and UEFA to investigate the incident(s).
The statement read: “We are very disappointed to report that one of our players was the target of discriminatory abuse from opposition fans during this evening’s game with SC Farense.
“We will be reporting the incident to UEFA and asking our opponent and relevant authorities to investigate. We are offering our full support to the player involved.
“Racism in any form is completely unacceptable and should never be left unchallenged.”
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 31, 2022
Wolves turned Hwang’s loan move from RB Leipzig into a permanent deal in January, with Bruno Lage’s side having an option to make the move permanent for £14m. He agreed a contract until the summer of 2026.
The South Korean has made 31 appearances for the Premier League club, registering five goals and one assist.
Related links:
- Four players sent off in first half as Wolves pre-season friendly descends into chaos
- Football fan banned from attending matches after racist monkey chants
- Boy, seven, subjected to racist abuse at St Helens Super League match
