Como 1907 have stated that their player accused of racially abusing Hwang Hee-chan did not say anything in a ‘derogatory manner’.
Wolves played the Italian side in a friendly in Marbella on Monday, with the Premier League side sealing a 1-0 win. However, the game was overshadowed by an alleged racial slur being aimed at South Korean star Hwang.
Daniel Podence was sent off for punching a player as Hwang’s teammates reacted furiously to the report of the incident in the second half of the match.
Wolves wanted to make a formal complaint to UEFA, but have since been informed this is not possible as the body cannot investigate unless it’s a recognised competitive UEFA match.
Now, the Italian club have released a statement stating they ‘do not tolerate racism’ but that the reaction of Wolves players has seen the situation be ‘blown out of proportion’.
The statement written by Mirwan Suwarso, official representative of the club’s ownership group, read: “Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all forms of it in the strongest possible way.
“We spoke to the defender in question to understand what was said. He has told us the comment he made, to his co defender, was ‘ignore him, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan’.
“Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name, and to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own teammates on the pitch.
“As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.
“We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion.”
Fans have been left outraged by the club’s response.
“You’re an absolute disgrace of a football club if you think this is an appropriate response,” one supporter replied to the statement on X.
“I honestly thought this was a parody account. My God lads. This is not it.” a second said.
A third added: “What a disgraceful and abhorrent statement this is. There is NO room for racism in football or anywhere.”
Hwang rejected the opportunity to immediately abandon the game.
Speaking after the match, manager Gary O’Neil labelled the situation as ‘really disappointing’ and stated his player had the club’s ‘full support’.
Italian club Como won promotion to Serie A last season and have some familiar names backing them, including Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, who is a coach and shareholder.
Hwang has played for Wolves since signing permanently from RB Leipzig in 2022 following a loan spell.
He’s gone on to make 94 appearances for the club, scoring 22 times in that period.
News Summary:
- ‘Disgraceful’ – Fans outraged at Como 1907 statement on Hwang Hee-chan racism row from Wolves friendly clash
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