Marco Curto banned for racially abusing Hwang Hee-chan in pre-season friendly
- Marco Curto made a discriminatory remark towards Hee Chan Hwang during a preseason match in July 2024.
- FIFA imposed a 10-match ban on Curto, requiring community service and training, while five matches are suspended for two years.
- Como defended Curto's actions, but FIFA's decision highlights the ongoing fight against racism in sports.
In July 2024, during a preseason friendly match in Marbella, Spain, Italian soccer player Marco Curto made a discriminatory remark towards South Korean forward Hee Chan Hwang. The incident led to Hwang reporting the comment, which sparked outrage among his teammates, resulting in a physical altercation on the field. Following a formal complaint from the South Korea Football Association, FIFA investigated the matter and found Curto guilty of racial abuse. As a consequence, FIFA imposed a 10-match ban on Curto, with five matches suspended for a two-year probationary period. Additionally, he is required to complete community service and undergo training with an organization approved by FIFA. Como, Curto's club at the time, defended him, claiming the remark was not intended to be derogatory. They argued that Curto's comment was misinterpreted and related to Hwang's name, which had been playfully referenced by his teammates. Despite the club's defense, FIFA's ruling reflects a broader commitment to combating racism in football, emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated. The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of discrimination in sports, prompting calls for stricter measures against such conduct. Curto's suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in maintaining the integrity of the game.