Inappropriate Behavior by Chinese Fans
This may rank as one of the worst examples of manners seen worldwide. Korean netizens are expressing their outrage over the appalling behavior displayed by Chinese fans during the Korea-China match of the 2026 North Central American World Cup Asian second round Group C second match held at the Universiade Sports Center in Shenzhen, China on the 21st.
In the match that day, Korea beat China 3-0, continuing their winning streak after their victory over Singapore (5-0). The player who solidified Korea’s position at the top of Group C in the second round was Son Heung-min. He led the game with two goals and one assist.
Despite the satisfying victory, several scenes made one frown. It started before the match when players from both teams were about to sing their national anthems. As soon as the Korean national anthem started, Chinese fans began jeering. Regardless of the opposing nation, people generally expect others to show respect when the national anthem is played. Despite this, Chinese spectators jeered during the Korean national anthem.
Laser Attack Targeting Son Heung-min
The bad manners continued when Son Heung-min prepared to take a penalty kick. Chinese spectators shone a green laser beam at Son Heung-min’s face. Although he didn’t show it, Son Heung-min must have felt upset. Perhaps that’s why, after calmly scoring a goal, he showed his signature camera gesture celebration and ‘shush’ gesture towards the Chinese fans.
Chinese spectators also fired lasers when Lee Kang-in was about to take a free kick. They have displayed serious misconduct, and they should have been kicked out immediately.
Chinese players also sparked controversy with their unsportsmanlike behavior. In the 26th minute of the first half, a Chinese player committed an absurd act of grabbing Son Heung-min from behind and pulling him down as he received the ball in the middle of the Chinese half. Unable to handle Son Heung-min with their skills, they resorted to dangerous fouls.
After the match, Son Heung-min said, “We fully deserved the three points today,” and “We played a good game in front of many Chinese fans.”
In a training video the Korea Football Association released the day before, he told his teammates, “The stadium will be packed tomorrow. Let’s show our style of football so well that they can’t even breathe.”
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