Heung Min, Kang In bury the hatchet
Son Heung Min apologised yesterday for his role in a bust-up with South Korea team-mate Lee Kang In at the Asian Cup and urged fans to forgive the Paris Saint-Germain player.
South Korea were beaten 2-0 by Jordan at the tournament earlier this month and it later emerged that skipper Son had dislocated a finger in an altercation with Lee on the eve of the semi-final.
Both players released social media statements on Wednesday, with Tottenham’s Heung Min posting a picture of the pair together, smiling and with arms around each other’s shoulders.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder Kang In, who has been blamed by fans for the fracas and dumped by advertisers, said that he had travelled to London to apologise to Heung Min in person.
Addressing the controversy publicly for the first time, Heung Min 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 Kang In, rushed through their meal so they could leave early to play table tennis.
This displeased Heung Min 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 Kang In tried to punch Heung Min, local media reported. Kang In’s representatives denied a punch was thrown.
The altercation was cited as a factor in the dismissal last week of coach Jurgen Klinsmann after 12 months in the post.
“I think my actions could be criticised,” Heung Min wrote.
But he added: “I would do it again for the team if the same situation arise because it’s one of
the captain’s duties.”
Kang In has become public enemy number one since details of the flashpoint emerged, but Heung Min said it was time to move on.
“Kang In has been going through a very difficult time after the incident,” Heung Min wrote.
“Please forgive him with an open mind.
“Kang In is sincerely reflecting on his actions and has apologised to me as well as every national team member.”
Last week, Kang In apologised and did so again yesterday.
“My short-sighted thoughts and improper behaviour have let down Son, the national team and football fans,” Kang In said in an Instagram post published around the same time as Heung Min’s.
“Through a long conversation I came to understand the heavy responsibility that weighs on Heung Min as captain and reflect on myself.”