*This content was translated by AI.
A fierce off-field war of nerves is taking place ahead of the final match between China and Japan, which will clash for the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup trophy. China's local media has raised suspicions of sexual harassment by minors targeting Japan's key gatekeeper.
Chinese media "Sina Sports" reported on the 23rd (Korea time) that Japan's U-23 national team's main goalkeeper Araki Louie (19, Gamba Osaka) sent an inappropriate message to Chinese underage fans through social networking services (SNS).
According to reports, the incident began when Araki posted a post shortly after his quarterfinal win over Jordan. "Sina Sports" claimed, "When a Chinese female fan sent a message saying she was handsome on the post, Araki pressed 'like' on the message and tried to talk through a personal message."
The media then revealed, "Araki exchanged pictures with each other and asked the fan 'Do you have any other pictures?' and when he was rejected, he made remarks that were hard to put into his mouth." The fan who claimed the damage said, "As a public figure, sexual harassment against a minor fan is a mean act."
"Sina Sports" said, "Araki's actions are a destruction of moral notions," adding, "The fan purely cheered the player's performance, but Araki betrayed it. If he were a Chinese player, he would have been punished immediately, but it is unclear whether he, Japan's main goalkeeper, will be punished ahead of the final."
Given that the allegations came just two days before the U-23 Asian Cup final, they can be interpreted as part of a psychological battle to shake the opponent's core power. Araki is the key gatekeeper who led Japan to the finals of this tournament.
In fact, Araki has played full time in four of the five matches in this tournament. He performed so well that he allowed only one goal. In particular, he proved his talent by showing a decisive defense in the semifinal match against South Korea led by head coach Lee Min-sung. In the quarterfinal shootout against Jordan, he blocked the shots of two opposing kickers and led Japan to the semifinals.
Meanwhile, China defeated Vietnam 3-0 in the semifinals to reach the final. The U23 Asian Cup final between Japan and China will be held at 00:00 a.m. on the 25th at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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*This content was translated by AI.
