"Why Did You Tackle?" Unexpected Reaction After Visiting Uzbek Player's SNS... Public Opinion Reversal [Asian Games]

Buriyev Tackling Jo Young-wook on SNS
Taking Photos at Suwon Station with Taegeukgi Emoji

In the midst of controversy over unsportsmanlike conduct by Uzbekistan during the men's football semifinal against South Korea at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, the social media account of an Uzbek player who was eventually sent off for a reckless tackle has become a hot topic.

Instagram of Uzbekistani football player Abdurauf Buriev. Photo by Buriev Instagram capture

Earlier on the 4th, the South Korean U24 football team, led by coach Hwang Sun-hong, secured a spot in the final by defeating Uzbekistan 2-1 in the men's football semifinal held at the Huanglong Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China, with Jung Woo-young (Stuttgart) scoring two goals.

The issue was the rough play by the Uzbek players that day. Although the team secured the silver medal, they had to endure unsportsmanlike conduct accompanied by aggressive physical confrontations from Uzbekistan throughout the match.

In the 27th minute of the second half, Abdurauf Buriev made a reckless tackle on Jo Young-wook, who was making a penetrating run after receiving a pass. Jo Young-wook fell with a painful expression after his shin was struck, and Buriev also lay on the ground complaining of pain. Ultimately, Buriev received a red card and was sent off in the middle of the second half.

Angry Korean football fans, protesting the unsportsmanlike football, visited Buriev’s social media account, but an unexpected reaction emerged. Buriev’s SNS featured a collection of stories with photos of the Taegeukgi (South Korean flag).

The stories saved in this collection are presumed to have been posted right after the friendly match between South Korea and Uzbekistan held on September 23 last year at Hwaseong Sports Town. Buriev posted a photo taken in front of Suwon Station with the caption "Suwon Station" and added an emoticon of the Taegeukgi.

Netizens responded with comments such as "Since he was a pro-Korean, I will forgive him once," and "Please be careful not to injure players."

Meanwhile, the 'Hwang Sun-hong-led' Taegeuk Warriors will face Japan in the men's football final of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games at 9 PM on the 7th at the Huanglong Sports Center.

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