A Soccer Fan Who Told Son Heung-min to 'Nunjjip' Hasn't Watched Soccer for 3 Years and Returned Passport During the World Cup

Fines and Community Service Orders for Racial Discrimination

A football fan who made a racist gesture towards Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has been banned from attending all football matches for the next three years.

Football fan who made 'eye-slanting' gesture at Son Heung-min banned from stadium for 3 years

During the match between Tottenham and Crystal Palace last May, a football fan directed racist behavior towards Son Heung-min. [Image source=X]

According to a report by the UK Mirror on the 7th (local time), during the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 6, a spectator made a racist gesture towards Son Heung-min.

At the time, football fan Robert Garland (44) made a gesture by pulling the skin at the sides of his eyes towards Son Heung-min. This gesture is intended to mock the smaller eyes of East Asians compared to Westerners and is considered a representative racist act against East Asians. The act was caught on the broadcast camera, sparking criticism mainly on social media platforms (SNS).

Subsequently, Garland was found guilty of the racist act and was sentenced to a fine and community service by the court. However, the UK prosecution considered this punishment too lenient and requested the court to issue a stadium ban order.

Accordingly, Garland is now banned from attending any football matches in person for the next three years. During international football events such as the World Cup, he must surrender his passport.

Douglas McKay, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said, "Racism has a tremendous impact on matches, players, and fans," adding, "We will not only prosecute those who make vile gestures or actions but also ban them from the sport they love."

Tottenham: "We will ensure the strongest measures are taken"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Tottenham had issued a warning regarding the racist behavior towards Son Heung-min. At that time, Tottenham released a statement on their official website saying, "We are working with the police and the opposing team, Crystal Palace, to identify the person responsible for the act," and "We will do our utmost to ensure the strongest possible punishment is imposed."

The opposing team, Crystal Palace, also stated, "Our club is aware of the racist behavior directed at Son Heung-min during the away match at Tottenham," adding, "We have shared evidence with the police and will impose club-level sanctions if the identity of the individual is confirmed. Our club will show no tolerance for such behavior."

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