A PSG fan directed a racial insult at Lee Kang-in during a recent training session, shouting, “Come on, Chinese.” This marks a troubling incident amid ongoing racial abuse faced by Asian footballers. Meanwhile, PSG is set to compete with Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Palmeiras’ €100 million-rated young talent, Vitor Reis, with top clubs closely monitoring his progress.
PSG Fan Directs Racial Insult at Lee Kang-in, Shouting “Come on, Chinese”
During an open training session on Friday, a Paris Saint-Germain supporter racially insulted midfielder Lee Kang-in by referring to the Korean footballer as “Chinese.”
A video posted on the Paris Vibe X account on Friday shows a fan at PSG’s training center in Paris before the team’s match against Marseille. The fan high-fived several players, including Lee Kang-in, but when he interacted with Lee, he said in French, “Allez mon chinois,” which translates to “Come on Chinese.”
Referring to a Korean individual as Chinese or another Asian nationality is a racist remark, as it implies that all Asians are indistinguishable.
This is the first instance of Lee facing racism since joining PSG last season when he became an important player.
Korean footballers have faced racist abuse in Europe before.
In 2022, Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Hwang Hee-chan endured racist abuse during a friendly match against Portuguese team Farense at Estádio Algarve in Portugal.
Similar incidents continue to occur regularly, with both Hwang and Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League facing racist abuse from rival fans at least once a season. Former Manchester United player Park Ji-sung also experienced such treatment, including his own supporters singing a song about Koreans eating dogs.
Earlier this summer, Son became the target of a racist joke from one of his own teammates. According to Rodrigo Bentancur, a Uruguayan TV host, all Koreans appear alike but later apologized to Son for his comments.
As of press time, neither Lee nor PSG have made any comments regarding the video.
The defending Ligue 1 champions were due to face Marseille in the Ligue 1 at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille, France later on Sunday as of press time.
PSG Must Beat Arsenal, Liverpool for €100M Youngster
Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that Liverpool had joined the race to sign Palmeiras’ talented prospect, Vitor Reis. However, the club is mainly prioritizing the urgent need for a central defender.
The report states that Reis is keen to move to Europe, aspiring to play in the Champions League, but Palmeiras is intent on keeping him for now.
Earlier this month, ESPN Brazil highlighted interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain. With Reis’s contract lasting until December 2028 and a substantial €100 million release clause, it appears unlikely that any club will act quickly to secure him.
Instead, top clubs are likely to track the Brazilian defender’s development over the course of the season.
Premier League Clubs Confirmed in the Race for Him
NossoPalmeiras reports that Arsenal are keen on signing an 18-year-old Brazilian prospect. However, they will face competition from Liverpool, who see the youngster as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.
With interest from leading English clubs, Palmeiras is likely to ask for around €100 million for its star player. Additionally, Fichajes’ latest report indicates that Real Madrid is also a club to watch in the race.
The Spanish club sees Reis as a strong addition to strengthen their defense, alongside Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Antonio Rüdiger.
Stay on Top of the Game! Get the latest football news, updates, and insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe Now
