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S. Koreans accuse Iranian football manager of obscene gesture
By Yoon Min-sik
South Korean media and fans accused Iran soccer team coach Carlos Queiroz of making a rude gesture at national team manager Choi Kang-Hee after Tuesday's World Cup qualifier match marred by violence and provocations from the two teams.
An official from the Korean Football Association said that FIFA officials witnessed the incident and expected the soccer body to file a report and conduct an investigation into Queiroz’s behavior. Shortly after the alleged slight, two members of the Korean staff struck Iran’s substitute goalkeeper in the face as he ran toward the Korean bench.
Queiroz was captured on video pumping his fist and shouting moments after Iran defeated South Korea 1-0 in Ulsan, securing their berth at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Despite the defeat, South Koreans also booked a spot at the World Cup.
The Portugal-born coach, apparently overcome with emotion, reportedly came up to his rivals’ bench and made the hand gesture at Choi. This infuriated several South Korean players who made an attempt to run toward the Iranians before being restrained by team officials.
The incident reflected the bitter animosity between the teams that had escalted upon remarks from both managers prior to the game.
After South Korea defeated Uzbekistan earlier this month, Choi vowed to defeat Iran, saying that he “recalled ill-treatment” his team received from Iranians during their trip to Tehran last year.
Queiroz called the comments “shameful,” and offered to send Choi an Uzbekistan jersey before the game. This appeared to be a jab at Choi’s earlier comment, in which he said that he “would prefer it if Uzbekistan qualified for the World Cup (rather than Iran).”
According to local news reports, Queiroz was seen Tuesday with a doctored photo of Choi that showed him wearing an Uzbekistan jersey.
Queiroz has yet to comment on the allegations.
Choi declined to comment on his feud with Queiroz. “I won’t discuss it. I would just be making excuses if I talked about such things after losing the game,” he said.
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)
