Tottenham Hotspur attacker Son Heung-min was recently involved in a physical altercation with his South Korean international teammate Lee Kang-in.
The two players clashed during the AFC Asian Cup prior to the semifinals. South Korea crashed out of the competition after the defeat to Jordan in the semifinals but the two players were involved in a bust-up before the game.
Apparently, Lee Kang-in and some of the younger players wanted to head out for a game of table tennis after team dinner, but the experienced players were not receptive to the idea.
Son intervened and that led to a physical altercation. The Spurs star reportedly grabbed the PSG attacker and Lee Kang-in and tried to punch him.
The 22-year-old South Korean international has since then issued a public apology on social media to the Tottenham star and the rest of his teammates. Son has now shared a social media post urging everyone to forgive the 22-year-old. The Tottenham star mentioned that he made mistakes as well when he was younger and Lee Kang-in deserves support.
Son also acknowledged that the matter could have been dealt with more smartly from his end.
He wrote (h/t KNTFootball): ”Kang-in has sincerely reflected on his actions and offered heartfelt apologies to me and all the players of the national team. I, too, have made many mistakes and shown undesirable behaviour when I was young, but each time, I had the sharp advice and teachings of good seniors, which I believe have led me to where I am today. I do not believe I handled the situation well and recognise that my actions deserved criticism. However, as a captain, I believe it is one of my duties to take such unpleasant actions for the sake of the team. Even if faced with the same situation again, I will act in the best interest of the team. However, I will strive to lead my teammates more smartly and more wisely in the future. Since that incident, Kang-in has been going through a very difficult time. Please forgive him with a generous heart. As the captain of the national team, I earnestly ask for this.”
Dope to see from Kangin and Sonny, they move, and we move.
It’s Day 2 to focus on getting Chung Mong-gyu out of KFA and or reform the KFA.
정몽규 사퇴해라. @theKFA #국대 pic.twitter.com/3IrZaopMEv
— Namu Yoon (@namujyoon) February 20, 2024
The social media posts from the two players will certainly lighten the mood around the South Korean camp and the two players will look to move on from the incident and focus on their football.
