BBC: "Player Who Committed Racism Against Hwang Hee-chan Banned for 10 FIFA Matches"

Wolverhampton Side "Will Firmly Stand Against Racism"

Marco Curto (Cesena), who made racist remarks toward soccer player Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), has been suspended for 10 matches by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

On the 8th (Korean time), the British BBC reported, "Curto, who plays for Como (Italy Serie A), received a 10-match suspension from FIFA for racist behavior toward Hwang Hee-chan during a preseason game," adding, "Five of these matches will be suspended for two years."

A FIFA spokesperson told BBC, "Curto was found guilty of racist conduct and received a 10-match suspension," adding, "Half of the suspension is deferred for two years, and the player must complete community service and attend FIFA-approved educational programs."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During a friendly match between Wolverhampton and Como last July, Hwang Hee-chan was subjected to racist insults by Curto. When Hwang reported this to the coaching staff, a teammate, Daniel Podence, punched Curto, resulting in Curto's ejection and causing a commotion.

Manager Gary O'Neil explained, "Chani (a nickname for Hwang Hee-chan) heard truly disappointing racist remarks. I asked if he wanted to stop playing, but he wanted to continue."

Como stated, "We spoke with the person involved (Curto), who said that seeing Hwang called 'Chani' by his teammates, he thought he was Jackie Chan. He told them to ignore it," adding, "He never intentionally made derogatory remarks. We are disappointed that the incident was excessively exaggerated due to the reactions of some Wolverhampton players."

At the time, Wolverhampton protested to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), but UEFA responded that since they did not oversee the match, they could not take action. Subsequently, the Korea Football Association directly intervened and raised the issue with FIFA, resulting in the disciplinary decision.

Matt Wylde, head of football at Wolverhampton, told BBC, "The sanction against Curto sends a clear message that racism will not be tolerated in football or society," adding, "Wolverhampton firmly opposes all forms of racism and is committed to creating an environment where everyone is respected."

Meanwhile, Curto, who faced criticism for his racist insults toward Hwang Hee-chan, is currently on loan to Cesena (Italy Serie B), a lower league club.