Como release bizarre statement denying remarks aimed at Wolves’ Hwang Hee-Chan were racist

Serie A side Como 1907 have released a statement defending one of their players amid allegations that Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan was racially abused.

The clubs met in Marbella on Monday, where the Premier League club ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Matt Doherty.

The win was overshadowed by the alleged incident, which provoked a furious reaction from teammate Daniel Podence, who received a red card for punching an opposition player in the ensuing melee.

Though he didn’t disclose what was said, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil clarified after the match: “Channy heard a racist remark, which he’s really disappointed with.”

He then revealed he gave Hee-Chan the option of the team leaving the pitch in protest, but the South Korean, who finished the match donning the captain's armband, wanted the team to play on.

The Premier League released a statement on Tuesday morning which read: ‘Racism is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or society. We encourage anyone who hears or sees discrimination to report it so action can be taken. Hwang Hee-chan and Wolves have the full support of the Premier League.’

In a strange turn of events, Mirwan Suwarso, an official representative of the ownership, opted to disclose what was said in an official statement. Perhaps even more bizarrely, the club have decided to defend the comments.

 

Official statement regarding yesterday's incident during our friendly vs. Wolves: pic.twitter.com/BuacRrbOQU

— Como1907 (@Como_1907) July 16, 2024

 

‘Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all forms of it in the strongest possible way.

We spoke to the defender in question to understand what was said. He has told us the comment he made, to his co-defender, was “Ignore him, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan”.

Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name, and to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch.

As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.

We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen this incident blown out of proportion.

Romelu Lukaku, Mike Maignan and Samuel Umtiti are among the players who were subject to racist abuse in Serie A last season, as Italy continues to struggle with what some consider racism ‘rooted’ in Italian football.