Serie A side Como have accused Wolverhampton players of overreacting despite confirming they made inflammatory comments towards South Korea striker Hwang Hee-chan.
Yesterday’s friendly match between the two teams in Marbella was thrown into chaos when a Como player called Hwang Hee-chan “Jackie Chan”, a reference to the Hong Kong martial arts actor.
The ensuing brawl resulted in Wolves’ Daniel Podence being sent off and the club’s manager Gary O’Neill asked Hwang Hee-chan if he wanted to stop the game, but the player refused.
Official statement regarding the incident that occurred during yesterday’s friendly match against Wolverines: pic.twitter.com/BuacRrbOQU
— Como1907 (@como_1907) July 16, 2024
Como released a statement today clarifying their position on the incident, saying it was “overblown.”
“Our club does not tolerate racism and we condemn racism in the strongest possible way in all its forms,” said Como owner Mirwan Suwarso.
“We spoke to the attorney in question to find out what was being said.
“He reportedly told his co-counsel, ‘Ignore him, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan.’
“After talking to the players at length, I am convinced that this is a reference to the player’s name and the ‘Chaney’ that his teammates constantly refer to on the pitch.
“As far as our club is concerned, our player never said anything in a derogatory way. It is disappointing that the incident has been exaggerated by the reaction of some Wolves players.”
Gary O’Neill talks about the incident that ruined our first pre-season training match.
🗣️🎥 pic.twitter.com/YCz5sGduyM
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 15, 2024
O’Neill said the remarks were “deeply insulting” and that Hwang was “really disappointed”.
Wolves complained to UEFA but European football’s governing body said it could not intervene as it was outside its jurisdiction.
