Como defender Marco Curto has been banned for 10 matches by FIFA for racially abusing South Korean forward Hwang Hee-Chan while playing against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a pre-season friendly in July.
Marco Curto, who was then playing for Como but is now on loan to Italian second-tier side Cesena, was found guilty of abusing Hwang during a friendly match in Marbella in July. The incident resulted in an angry reaction from Hwang’s teammates and a red card to Daniel Podence.
“The player Marco Curto was found responsible for discriminatory behaviour and sanctioned with a 10-match suspension,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“The player is ordered to render community services and undergo training and education with an organisation approved by FIFA.” Wolves said the club would file a complaint with UEFA after the incident in the Spanish resort of Marbella that sparked an angry response from Hwang’s teammates and led to the dismissal of winger Daniel Podence for punching a Como player. “We welcome FIFA’s decision to sanction Marco Curto following the discriminatory incident during our pre-season friendly against Como 1907,” the Premier League club’s director of football Matt Wild said in a statement.
“The suspension issued to the player sends a clear message that racism and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated in football or society.
“Wolves will always stand firmly against racism and discrimination in any form, and we remain fully committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected and included.” Como representatives were not immediately available for comment.
In July, while condemning racism, Como said that Curto had referred to Hwang as “Jackie Chan” — the Hong Kong movie star — after hearing the Wolves players calling the forward by his nickname, “Channy.”
“As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner,” the club said.
“We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion.”
