'Broke the Silence': Hwang Hee-chan Directly Addresses Controversy, "I Never Hit Him with a Fist... The Other Party Was Aggressive" — Full Rebuttal of Allegations

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Hwang Hee-chan (30, Schalke 04), who sparked controversy for roughly shoving the fourth official and his team doctor during a match, broke his silence to directly explain what happened at the time. He expressed his grievance, stating that the fourth official had approached him in an excessively aggressive manner.

German media outlet "Kicker" reported on the 1st (Korean time), "Hwang Hee-chan has spoken out about the shoving incident that recently occurred off the field," adding, "Immediately after the 0-2 defeat to RB Leipzig, Hwang Hee-chan provided a detailed explanation of his position regarding why he shoved fourth official Tom Bauer in the mixed zone."

According to the outlet, Hwang Hee-chan stated about the situation at the time, "I asked fourth official Bauer why Friedrich Muller's challenge was not called a foul," and continued, "However, he approached me very aggressively. The distance was too close. I merely shoved him to keep him from getting too close to me."

He further emphasized, "In reality, I did not push him hard or hit him with my fist. I was truly not aggressive."

Previously, Hwang Hee-chan started the second-round away DFB-Pokal match against Dynamo Dresden on the 29th of last month and became embroiled in controversy. In the 40th minute of the first half, after colliding with an opposing defender, he was receiving treatment outside the touchline when, dissatisfied with a call, he shoved fourth official Bauer. He also brushed off Schalke team doctor Lucas Ackermann, who was trying to restrain him, and received a yellow card from the referee. At the time, German media such as "Bild" called it an "unacceptable act" and even mentioned the possibility of a suspension penalty.

In response, Schalke manager Miron Muslic had stated ahead of the Leipzig match, "We discussed this issue in front of the entire squad and coaching staff. I explained the team's principle of having no disciplinary violations since my arrival, and Hwang Hee-chan reflected on the incident, bringing it to a close." Having navigated the disciplinary crisis through internal club interviews and an apology, Hwang Hee-chan aims to clear up misunderstandings through this direct explanation and completely shake off the controversy.

Now, Hwang Hee-chan's focus returns to the pitch. His club, Schalke, has fallen into a severe scoring drought of four consecutive matches without a goal, following their cup elimination and a 0-2 loss to Leipzig. Hwang Hee-chan himself has yet to score his debut goal since joining Schalke on loan.

Hwang Hee-chan stated, "As a forward, I deeply feel responsible for the team's lack of goals. Not only am I working hard and sweating, but all my teammates are doing the same, so we will soon bear fruit," adding, "From now on, I will focus entirely on matches and continue to devote myself to training."

Schalke is set to travel for an away match against Hoffenheim on the 9th. Hwang Hee-chan reaffirmed his resolve, saying, "It is time to produce results now. Whether it is one point or three, we must secure as many points as possible."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original