SEOUL: South Korea captain Son Heung-min has asked fans to forgive team mate Lee Kang-in after the midfielder apologised “sincerely” for his involvement in an altercation between the pair on the eve of their Asian Cup semi-final.
Son played against Jordan with the index and middle fingers of his right hand strapped together as the Koreans were stunned 2-0, a result which extended their 64-year wait for a third Asian title and saw coach Juergen Klinsmann fired.
The Korea Football Association later confirmed a British media report that Lee left a team dinner early with some of the younger members of the squad to play table tennis, leading to an argument with Son, who viewed the dinner as a chance for the team to bond before the match.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Son was left with a dislocated finger as players were being pulled apart.
Paris St Germain midfielder Lee has come in for heavy criticism in South Korea, where Son remains the country’s most popular athlete.
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“Kang-in has done sincere soul-searching about his actions and offered a sincere apology to all the players on the national team, including myself,” Son said in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.
“To prevent Kang-in from doing such a wrong behaviour again, all of our players, as seniors of the national team, will take special care from his side so that he can grow into a better person and player.
“Since that incident, Kang-in is going through a very difficult time. Please forgive him just once more with a generous heart.”
In a post on Instagram, Lee said he had travelled to London to apologise to Son in person.
“That day, I did something I should never have done at dinner. Looking back again, it was something I should never have done. I deeply regret it,” Lee added.
“I promised to have a more proper attitude and courtesy when dealing with my seniors and colleagues. I would like to thank them once again for accepting and embracing my apology.”
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