Riot police deployed as South Korea return home from World Cup after coach receives death threats
Riot police have been deployed at the airport ahead of South Korea’s return home from the World Cup, amid death threats to coach Hong Myung-bo.
South Korea’s national side got their World Cup campaign off to an impressive start with a 2-1 win against Czechia.
However, after a promising start, the team then lost their next two Group A matches, first being beaten 1-0 by co-hosts Mexico and then losing to South Africa in their final game.
The back to back losses saw them exit the competition and drop seven spots in the FIFA world rankings.
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It also sparked a huge backlash in the country, with South Korean president Lee Jae-myung branding coach Hong as ‘incapable’ and ordering a full review of the national team.
“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.
“I sincerely apologise to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again.”
Hong announced his resignation, telling football fans: “To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach.”
“As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me.
“Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support the Korean national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”
However, the resignation wasn’t enough to deter death threats sent to Hong resulting in the decision to send riot police to the airport for when the team returned.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they are sending in 160 riot and airport police for when the national side lands back in the country today (Tuesday 30 June).
A police statement read: “We have decided to deploy officers to prevent safety accidents that may occur during the entry process. We will respond strictly to any illegal acts, including the throwing of objects.”
The Incheon International Airport Corporation will also send 25 extra officers to the site, including special security personnel.
Topics: World Cup
Claire Reid