Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Hwang Hee-chan has responded to racist abuse he suffered in a friendly against Portuguese club SC Farense with a powerful statement online.
The South Korea international was abused by fans as he stepped up to take a penalty during the 1-1 draw in the Algarve on Sunday, with people behind the goal making disgraceful gestures towards the player.
Hwang scored, drawing his team level as the club’s pre-season tour of Iberia came to a close. Now he has posted an anti-racism message on social media in response to the abuse.
‘Thank you for all your supporting messages,’ the 26-year-old wrote on his account. ‘Many thanks to my club, staff, colleagues and all my fans.
‘We are all the same human beings,’ he added. ‘We all need to have a mature attitude on enjoying sports. I really hope today could be the last day of people’s suffering from racism. Not only in sport. But everywhere. No to racism.’
Wolves released a statement condemning the abuse after the match, and said they would be reporting the behaviour of Farense fans to European football governing body UEFA.
‘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,’ the statement read.
‘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.’
Hwang signed for Wolves from RB Leipzig in 2021, scoring five goals in 31 appearances during his debut campaign with the Midlands club under manager Bruno Lage.
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