According to BBC, Como player Marco Curto has been banned for 10 matches by FIFA, with five of those suspended, after racially abusing Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan during a pre-season friendly match.
The incident occurred during the second half of a game in Marbella in July when Curto told his teammate, “Ignore Hwang Hee-chan, he thinks he’s Jackie Chan.” The BBC explained that referring to an Asian person as “Jackie Chan” or “Bruce Lee” is considered racial abuse in Europe, implying that all Asians look alike.
Wolves lodged complaints with the Italian Football Federation and UEFA, but UEFA stated it had no jurisdiction over the matter as it was not a UEFA competition. However, due to Hwang Hee-chan being a South Korean international, the Korean Football Association intervened and reported the incident to FIFA.
A FIFA spokesperson said, “Marco Curto was found guilty of discriminatory behavior and has been banned for ten matches. Half of these matches are suspended for two years, and the player must also perform community service and undergo training and education with a FIFA-approved organization.”
The 25-year-old Italian defender Curto joined Serie B side Cesena on loan for the season in the week following the match against Wolves.
BBC: Como Defender Banned for Racial Abuse Against Hwang Hee-Chan in Pre-Season Friendly. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/44164.html
