Marco Curto, a player who was formerly with Como and is now on loan at the Italian second-tier side Cesena, has been found guilty of racially abusing Wolves forward Hee-Chan Hwang during a pre-season friendly match. This incident occurred in July in Marbella and has led to significant repercussions for Curto. FIFA has handed down a 10-match ban, a serious punishment that reflects the global governing body’s commitment to combating racism and discrimination in football. Of this suspension, five matches have been suspended for a probation period of two years.
The match in question saw a heightened emotional response not just from Hwang, who was targeted, but also from his teammates, illustrating the strong sentiments that such acts evoke. The incident even led to a red card being issued to Hwang’s teammate, Daniel Podence, highlighting the tense atmosphere that erupted on the field.
A spokesperson for FIFA confirmed the decision, stating, “The player Marco Curto was found responsible for discriminatory behaviour and sanctioned with a 10-match suspension.” This unequivocal language emphasizes the seriousness of the charge against Curto. In addition to the match suspension, Curto is also required to undergo training and community service with an organization recognized by FIFA for its work in promoting equality and educating athletes on the impacts of discriminatory behavior.
Following the ruling, Matt Wild, Wolves’ director of football operations and administration, voiced the club’s support for the sanctions imposed and reiterated Wolves’ stance against all forms of discrimination. This statement underscores the importance of football clubs taking a stand against racism and supporting affected players.
“We welcome FIFA’s decision to sanction Marco Curto following the discriminatory incident during our pre-season friendly against Como 1907,” said Wild. “The suspension issued to the player sends a clear message that racism and discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated in football or society.
“This outcome highlights FIFA’s commitment to ensuring that serious actions have meaningful consequences, and we are encouraged to see the use of sporting sanctions alongside community service and education. Such measures underline the importance of both punishment and education in eradicating discriminatory behaviour from the game we all love.
“We would also like to thank The Football Association for their continued support throughout this process. The collaboration between football’s governing bodies is crucial in ensuring that incidents of this nature are dealt with effectively, and that players, staff, and supporters are all protected from discrimination.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the South Korean player’s national football association had previously reached out to FIFA expressing “serious concerns” regarding the incident, indicating the widespread impact such events can have on international relations within football. The response from Hwang’s association further stresses the importance of safeguarding players from any form of racial abuse.
In contrast, Como’s management remarked that the incident was “blown out of proportion.” Mirwan Suwarso, a spokesperson for the club’s owners, suggested that Curto’s comments had been misunderstood, claiming that Curto merely told a teammate to “ignore (Hwang), he thinks he’s Jackie Chan.” This remark, while perhaps intended as a light-hearted comment, has instead been scrutinized and criticized for its insensitivity in light of the serious nature of the allegations.
“Having spoken to our player at length, we are confident this was in reference to the player’s name, and to the constant references of ‘Channy’ made by his own team-mates on the pitch,” Suwarso added.
“As far as our club is concerned our player did not say anything in a derogatory manner.
“We are disappointed that the reaction of certain Wolves players has seen the incident blown out of proportion.”
This entire incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for robust measures to ensure that football remains a sport for everyone, free of discrimination and prejudice.
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