Son Heung-min's Cough Sparks "New Coronavirus?"... UK Netizens Stir Racial Discrimination Controversy

Photo by Social Network Service screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid the recent global spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Son Heung-min (28, Tottenham), who is active in the English Premier League (EPL), is suffering from racist remarks.

On the afternoon of the 2nd (local time), Tottenham won 2-0 against Manchester City in the 25th round match of the English Premier League (EPL) held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK. Steven Bergwijn scored the opening goal in the 18th minute of the second half. Son Heung-min scored the clinching goal in the 26th minute of the second half. Tottenham won 2-0.

After the match, Son Heung-min gave an interview to a media outlet. He said, "Bergwijn's first goal was really amazing," and added, "Manchester City is a really strong opponent. In the first half, we all focused on defense. It was an important match today, so I am happy to have won."

During the interview, Son Heung-min coughed quietly twice. Then, some overseas netizens mocked him, suggesting that he might have contracted the novel coronavirus.

In particular, British netizens continued to criticize Son Heung-min, saying things like "Isn't he infected with the coronavirus?", "Son Heung-min seems to already show signs of the coronavirus," and "Tottenham is in danger."

Tottenham's Son Heung-min is attempting a shot in front of the opposing defense during the Premier League match against Manchester City held in London, UK, on the 2nd (Korean time).
Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, some overseas netizens posted a photoshopped image on social networking services (SNS) showing all players except Son Heung-min wearing masks. This appears to mock Son Heung-min, the only Asian player on the team.

Korean netizens who saw the post raised their voices in criticism, saying, "Isn't the racism too severe?", "This is nonsense," and "Is coughing alone a reason to say he has the coronavirus? Ridiculous."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.