February 21 – South Korea captain Son Heung-min has apologised for his role in a bust-up at the Asian Cup and urged fans to forgive team-mate Lee Kang-in, the main protagonist.
South Korea were beaten 2-0 by Jordan in the semi-finals earlier this month and it later emerged that Son had dislocated a finger in an altercation with Lee on the eve of the game.
Both players released social media statements, with Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son posting a picture of the pair together, smiling and with arms around each other’s shoulders.
Lee, who has been blamed by fans for the fracas and dumped by advertisers, said that he had travelled to London to apologise to Son in person.
Addressing the controversy publicly for the first time, Son wrote in a statement on Instagram: “I am sincerely sorry for causing trouble and will work harder to make the national team grow further.”
The incident at the Asian Cup reportedly happened after some younger players in the national squad, including rising star Lee who plays for Paris St. Germain, rushed through their meal so they could leave early to play table tennis.
This displeased Son and some of the older players because meals on the eve of big games are traditionally seen as a time for bonding.
As tension grew Lee tried to punch Son, local media reported. Lee’s representatives denied a punch was thrown but Son played against Jordan with the index and middle fingers of his right hand strapped together.
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