"Racial slur 'kimchi' hurled at Park Hang-seo, teammate also subjected to height-based insult" — Spectator's remarks cross the line... Thai club issues official response

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

It has been reported that Coach Park Hang-seo was subjected to racially discriminatory taunts by a spectator on the Thai professional football stage. As even a player from his own team was exposed to derogatory comments about his physical appearance, the club he is affiliated with has taken official action.

Thai media outlet "Kaosod" reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that Kanjanaburi Power FC, managed by Coach Park Hang-seo, issued a statement opposing racial discrimination. This was a measure taken in response to the manager and a player from his team being subjected to insulting remarks by opposing spectators.

The incident occurred immediately after the match between Pattaya United and Kanjanaburi in Round 9 of the 2026–2027 season Thai professional football second division, held on the 1st at Nong Prue Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand.

At the time, Kanjanaburi drew 2-2 with Pattaya. The issue arose after the match ended.

As Coach Park was heading back to the locker room, a spectator presumed to be a Pattaya fan unleashed racially discriminatory taunts at him. The spectator even uttered profanity while referring to "kimchi," a representative Korean food.

It is also reported that the spectator repeatedly chanted the phrase "kimchi man" at Coach Park.

It was not just Coach Park who was targeted. John Bazio, a player for Kanjanaburi, also heard insulting remarks.

Kaosod reported, "The spectator used the term 'kimchi' and hurled profanity at Coach Park, while shouting words meaning 'short in stature' at Kanjanaburi striker John Bazio."

Faced with such provocation, Coach Park could not contain his anger. Initially, he made a gesture of placing a finger to his lips to signal silence, but as the taunts continued, he strongly protested toward the spectator.

Coach Park even gestured for the spectator in question to come down directly. The situation was on the verge of escalating into a physical confrontation.

Ultimately, stadium officials and club representatives stepped in to restrain Coach Park. Kaosod explained, "Coach Park, in a rage, approached the spectator in question, and it took considerable time for stadium officials to manage the situation."

The owner of Kanjanaburi also took direct action. To prevent the situation from deteriorating further, he instructed the players to move quickly to the locker room.

Subsequently, the Kanjanaburi club issued an official statement condemning racial discrimination.

The club stated, "Kanjanaburi FC joins the movement against racial discrimination. We oppose all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, skin color, and ethnic background."

It further emphasized, "Football is a sport that connects people from all over the world. Everyone, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what their skin color is, is a valuable being and deserves equal respect."

Along with the phrase "Against Racial Discrimination," the club raised its voice by stating, "Do not discriminate, do not divide, and respect one another. Football should be a space where friendship, unity, and equality exist."

Meanwhile, on that day, Kanjanaburi drew 2-2 with Pattaya, recording 14 points to secure sixth place in the league standings.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original