Park Ji-Sung has asked Manchester United fans to stop singing his chant because it contains a racial insult to Korean people.
The former United midfielder said he knew the fans didn’t mean to cause offence with the chant, which includes a reference to Koreans eating dog meat, but he said he wanted to educate fans about why the words are hurtful to him and his compatriots.
The 40-year-old was prompted to speak out after he heard the away fans sing the song at Molineux in August when Wolverhampton Wanderers unveiled their new signing Hwang Hee-chan.
What has been said?
“I’m really sorry for him to hear that. I know that United fans don’t mean any offence to him for that song but still I have to educate the fans to stop that word [dog meat], which is usually these days a racial insult to the Korean people,” Park told the UTD Podcast.
“That particular word is very discomforting for Korean people, and I really feel very sorry for the younger players who heard that kind of song.
"In Korea, things have changed a lot. It is true that historically we have eaten dog meat but these days, particularly the younger generation, they really hate it. The culture has changed.
“I really request the fans to stop singing that word. It causes discomfort to Korean people when they hear that song. It’s time to stop.”
Manchester United say they fully support Park’s request and ask the supporters to respect his wishes.
When did Park play for Man Utd?
Park spent seven years at Old Trafford between 2005 and 2012 where he won four Premier League titles, the Champions League and three League Cups. After leaving he had stints at QPR and PSV Eindhoven before he retired in 2014.
Further reading
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