Wolverhampton friendly marred by racist insult and player strike

A scandal unfolded during a friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Como 1907. The home team's player, Daniel Podence, struck one of the opponents after the latter allegedly directed a racist insult at his teammate. The English side intends to file a complaint with UEFA.

Football clubs are already gearing up for next season's competitions. So far, only players representing their countries during Euro 2024, which concluded on Sunday, July 14th, have been excused from preparations.

Recently, a friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing in the English Premier League, and Como 1907, newly promoted to Serie A, became the focus of extensive discussion. Wolverhampton Wanderers emerged victorious with a score of 1–0.

Inevitably, the primary topic of conversation surrounding the friendly match is the ensuing scandal. In the 70th minute, Daniel Podence, who had recently returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers after a loan spell at Olympiacos Piraeus, was sent off for striking one of the opponents.

It should be stressed, however, that the Portuguese player reacted to the behaviour of the Como players. They allegedly directed a racist insult at Hwang Hee-chan, who was then invited to end the match early, an offer he declined.

Some of Wolverhampton Wanderers' teammates tried to console the Korean player following the opponents' appalling behaviour. Meanwhile, Podence took matters into his own hands and administered his form of justice.

The issue appears far from resolved. According to The Athletic, the English club plans to lodge an official complaint about the behaviour of the newly promoted Serie A players.