Hwang Hee-chan finally issues official apology, bowing his head deeply: "It was an unforgivable act..." Manager reveals post-match account

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Hwang Hee-chan (30, Schalke 04), who had drawn intense public criticism for an unprecedented outburst in which he roughly shoved the fourth official and his team doctor during a match, ultimately acknowledged his mistake and bowed his head before the entire squad. Hwang, whose potential suspension was even discussed, avoided severe disciplinary action such as a match ban thanks to his prompt apology and remorse.

German media outlet "Kicker" reported on the 30th (Korean time), "Schalke manager Miron Muslić emphasized discipline and explained the club's principles to Hwang Hee-chan, who deeply regretted and reflected on his actions."

According to the outlet, Manager Muslić abruptly disclosed internal team measures regarding Hwang Hee-chan's impulsive behavior at a press conference held ahead of the match against RB Leipzig.

Hwang Hee-chan started the away match against Dynamo Dresden in the second round of the German Football Association (DFB) Pokal on the 29th, but displayed unsportsmanlike conduct that raised eyebrows. In the 40th minute of the first half, while receiving treatment off the touchline after a collision with an opposing defender, he became enraged over a decision not to award a foul and shoved the fourth official. He also roughly pushed away Schalke's team doctor, who was trying to calm him down, resulting in a yellow card from the referee.

Immediately after the match, local media outlet "Laola1" criticized the incident, stating, "Just before halftime, an agitated Hwang Hee-chan created a disgraceful scene by shoving the physiotherapist and the fourth official." Manager Muslić also expressed strong displeasure, saying, "I was not pleased with that behavior at all. We will definitely address it." German local media such as "Bild" and "Morgenpost" also warned of the possibility of internal disciplinary action, including a match ban, stating, "Shoving officials is unacceptable" and "He will pay the price for losing his temper."

The worst-case scenario was avoided. Hwang Hee-chan apologized immediately, and the situation moved toward resolution. Manager Muslić stated, "Yesterday, we discussed this issue internally with the entire squad gathered. The club demands and values discipline very strictly." He added, "Since my arrival, our team has never had a disciplinary violation issue. I clearly explained that to Hwang Hee-chan, and he fully accepted it, showing a very remorseful and repentant attitude." Having accepted the apology, Schalke decided not to impose additional disciplinary action on Hwang Hee-chan, such as a match ban.

For Schalke, they cannot simply look away from Hwang Hee-chan's absence. The team is currently stuck in 16th place in the Bundesliga relegation zone (1 win, 3 draws, 3 losses), and their elimination from the cup competition has sunk team morale to rock bottom. Schalke is suffering from a severe goal drought, managing only four goals in seven league matches, while Hwang Hee-chan, who was loaned to Schalke under pressure, has yet to score his first goal since joining, having recorded only one assist in his debut. Manager Muslić plans to include the remorseful Hwang Hee-chan in the lineup for the upcoming match against Leipzig as a gamble to escape the crisis.

Recently, Hwang Hee-chan has been under extreme pressure both inside and outside the national team, finding himself at the center of rumors of conflict with Son Heung-min and so-called factional disputes within the "96 LINE." Having nearly self-destructed through unsportsmanlike conduct that erupted during a club match, it remains to be seen whether Hwang Hee-chan, who has taken a breather thanks to his abrupt apology, can win back the hearts of fans who have turned against him.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original