Man, 51, arrested over 'racial abuse' toward Um Ji-sung! Police identify suspect via CCTV → UK police: "Zero-tolerance investigation; released on bail for now"

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A man in his 50s was detained by local UK police on suspicion of directing racial abuse at Um Ji-sung, a 24-year-old South Korean national team forward playing for Swansea City, during an English professional football Championship (second-tier league) match.

According to a report by local media outlet BBC Wales on the 16th (Korean time), the incident occurred during the match between Millwall and Swansea City held at The Den, Millwall's home ground in London, UK, on the 13th. During the second half, referee Edward Duckworth abruptly suspended the match for approximately 15 minutes after lengthy discussions with both teams' benches. At the time, a warning announcement was broadcast through the stadium speakers stating that "no form of racism will be tolerated, and police are analyzing CCTV footage within the stadium to identify the perpetrator."

Immediately after the match, Swansea City manager Vitor Moutinho revealed that the discriminatory remarks in question were directed at Um Ji-sung, a South Korean national team winger who was warming up on the sidelines.

The London National Police Agency, which launched the investigation, swiftly identified and apprehended the suspect. In an official statement on the 16th, the London National Police Agency announced that "on the 14th, a 51-year-old man was arrested in Kent on charges of harassment with racial intent and causing fear or anxiety." The agency further stated that "the man was transferred to Southwark Police Station for questioning and has been released on bail until mid-January next year pending further investigation."

A police official added, "We take all reports related to discriminatory abuse and hate crimes very seriously," and "we will thoroughly investigate under a zero-tolerance policy in close cooperation with football clubs and relevant institutional investors."

Support for Um Ji-sung, who was the victim, also continued from his club. Manager Moutinho emphasized, "Both the referee and Millwall FC handled the situation correctly according to established protocols," adding, "There is absolutely no place for such behavior in football. Um Ji-sung is a smart player, and while he may be upset by this incident, he knows that the club and his teammates will always be by his side."

Millwall FC also issued an official statement saying, "We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination," and "we are actively cooperating with the police investigation and will take the strongest possible action against anyone found guilty." However, Millwall manager Alex Neil stated, "While it is up to the authorities to resolve the incident, stopping the match for 15 minutes and disrupting the flow was difficult to accept," which drew sharp criticism from the anti-racism organization 'Kick It Out.'

Meanwhile, in the match on that day, Um Ji-sung's team Swansea City secured a 1-0 victory over Millwall thanks to Ronald's decisive goal in the second half. The club achieved its best opening record in 100 years of history and is currently leading the league alone.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original