The day before the semi-final exit from the Asian Cup, an incident occurred in the South Korean team – with painful consequences for captain Heung-Min Son
Heung-Min Son played in the semi-final of the Asian Cup and in Tottenham’s win over Brighton in the Premier League last Saturday. But it remained unclear why the middle finger of his right hand was bandaged and taped to his index finger during both appearances, and at first it didn’t seem to be a big deal. But that has now suddenly changed.
Apparently, the injury is the result of an altercation that took place in the South Korean team the evening before the painful 2-0 semi-final defeat against Jordan. The South Korean association has since confirmed a corresponding report by the British Sun to Yonhap News.
According to the report, a group of young players led by Paris St. Germain midfielder Kang-In Lee deliberately ended their meal together quickly to go and play table tennis. This is said to have displeased captain Son and other older team-mates, whereupon an argument ensued, which ultimately led to fisticuffs – including a dislocated finger on the most important player in Jürgen Klinsmann’s team.
The scandal, which was subsequently made public, fits in with the bitter end to the tournament for the South Koreans, who were hoping in vain to win their first Asian Cup title since 1960. Son & Co. were deservedly defeated by Jordan last week. In the end, Qatar won the title again. Son played through despite his damaged hand, but was unable to prevent the abrupt end. He then celebrated a successful comeback in the Premier League against Brighton when he played the role of joker and set up Brennan Johnson’s late 2:1 winning goal.
Klinsmann’s future uncertain
It remains to be seen whether the incident will have an impact on Jürgen Klinsmann’s future as national team coach. Even before the revelation, the 59-year-old’s future was considered uncertain. The association has scheduled a meeting for this week, which Klinsmann is expected to attend via video link from the USA
