'Shameful': Fans outraged by Como 1907's statement on Hwang Hee-chan's racism row in Wolves friendly clash
As 1907 stated, its player accused of racially insulting Hwang Hee-chan did not say anything “in a derogatory manner.”
Wolves played a friendly against the Italian side in Marbella on Monday, with the Premier League side winning 1-0. However, the match was overshadowed by a alleged racial slur directed at South Korean star Hwang.
Daniel Podence was sent off for punching a player as Hwang's teammates reacted furiously to the report of the incident in the second half of the match.
The wolves wanted to file a formal complaint to UEFAbut I have since been informed that this is not possible as the body cannot investigate unless it is a competitive match recognised by UEFA.
Now, the Italian club has published a statement claiming that they “do not tolerate racism” but that the reaction of the Wolves players has made the situation “blown out of proportion”.
The statement written by Mirwan Suwarso, an official representative of the club's ownership group, said: “Our club does not tolerate racism and condemns all its forms in the strongest possible terms.
“We spoke to the defender in question to understand what was said. He told us that the comment he made to his fellow defender was 'ignore him, he thinks he's Jackie Chan'.”
“Having spoken at length to our player, we are confident that this was in reference to the player’s name and the constant references to ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch.
“As far as our club is concerned, our player did not say anything derogatory.
“We are disappointed by the reaction of certain Wolves players which has led to the incident being blown out of proportion.”
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Fans were outraged by the club's response.
“You are an absolute disgrace to a football club if you think this is an appropriate response,” one fan responded to the statement on X.
“I honestly thought this was a parody account. Oh my god, guys. It’s not,” said a second.
A third added: “What a shameful and abhorrent statement. There is no place for racism in football or anywhere else.”
Hwang declined the opportunity to immediately leave the game.
After the match, manager Gary O'Neil called the situation “really disappointing” and said his player had the “full support” of the club.
Italian club Como achieved promotion to Serie A last season and have some big names backing them, including Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas, who is a coach and shareholder.
Hwang has played for Wolves since signing permanently from RB Leipzig in 2022 following a loan spell.
He has made 94 appearances for the club and scored 22 goals in that period.
