Lee Kang-in's Side: "We Played Table Tennis... But Did Not Punch Son Heung-min in the Face"

"Sincerely Apologize... Will Clarify Position Again"

Amid growing controversy over reports of internal conflict within the South Korean national football team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup semifinal against Jordan, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) has denied claims that he threw a punch at captain Son Heung-min's (Tottenham) face.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 15th, Kim Garam, a lawyer from the law firm Seoon representing Lee Kang-in, issued a statement saying, "The claim that Lee Kang-in punched Son Heung-min in the face after Son grabbed Lee's neck is not true." He also asserted that senior players often enjoyed playing table tennis together with Lee Kang-in, and that table tennis has always been a regular activity.

Previously, entertainment media Dispatch reported that before the semifinal against Jordan, Son Heung-min grabbed Lee Kang-in's neck, and Lee retaliated by throwing a punch at Son's face. It was also reported that Son was hit in the face without any chance to dodge.

Lawyer Kim stated, "Lee Kang-in deeply regrets and reflects on his wrongdoing. Since he was at the center of the dispute, he thought it was appropriate to apologize rather than provide detailed circumstances," but added, "There are inaccuracies in the Dispatch article and other reports, and such content is being exaggerated and reproduced as if it were true."

He continued, "We will clarify our position on the remaining matters later," and said, "Once again, we sincerely apologize to everyone who was disappointed by Lee Kang-in."