PSG "No Tolerance for Racism"
Supporters Group Announces Permanent Ban
"Lee Kang-in Apologized Immediately After Training"
A fan who made a racist remark toward soccer player Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain FC) has been permanently banned by the supporters' group.
On the 31st (local time), Paris Saint-Germain FC (PSG) announced through their official social media account, "Our club does not tolerate any form of racism," adding, "The fan involved in the Lee Kang-in racism incident has been permanently expelled from the supporters' group, and the player received an apology immediately after training."
Earlier, French local media reported that on the 26th of last month, a PSG fan shouted "Allez mon Chinois" ("Go! My Chinese") at Lee Kang-in while he was training ahead of the 9th round away game against Marseille. A video capturing this moment spread online via X (formerly Twitter), drawing strong criticism from netizens. The media also pointed out, "Calling Lee Kang-in, who is Korean, Chinese is inappropriate language," and "Lee Kang-in is a victim of racist insults. This incident is damaging the image of French football."
In fact, calling an Asian who is not Chinese "Chinese" stems from the racist perception that "all East Asians look the same." Previously, Lee Kang-in was also subjected to racism from his coach while playing for the Spanish football team RCD Mallorca. Coach Javier Aguirre reportedly said to him during training, "Que Haces Chino?" ("What are you doing, Chinese?"). The term "Chino" (Chinese) is known in North and South America as a derogatory term used to belittle East Asians. At the time, Lee Kang-in responded with a smile as if unaffected, but in an interview with a YouTuber, he expressed his difficulties, saying, "In Spain, East Asians are called 'Chino.'"
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in officially announced his transfer to PSG in July last year, becoming the first Asian-born soccer player ever signed by the team since its founding. The transfer fee was reported to be 22 million euros (approximately 31.4 billion KRW), with a contract lasting until 2028. Currently, in the 2024-25 season, he has appeared in a total of 9 matches and scored 4 goals. His jersey number is 19, and his main position is attacking midfielder.
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