Man Utd have echoed the words of former favourite Park Ji-sung after the South Korean urged the club’s fans to stop singing an offensive song in his honour.
Park, now 40, was known for his tireless displays during his seven-year stint at Old Trafford. A four-time Premier League winner, Park was often entrusted with starting the big matches by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Man Utd fans still sing in Park’s name to this day, though the nature of the song they sing has prompted Park to ask them to stop.
Park said he had been sparked into speaking out after hearing the song sung by Man Utd fans at Molineux in September. That coincided with Wolves unveiling their own South Korean star, Hwang Hee-chan.
“I’m really sorry for him to hear that,” Park told the UTD podcast (via the PA).
“I know that United fans don’t mean any offence to him for that song. But still I have to educate the fans to stop that word (dog meat), which is usually these days a racial insult to the Korean people.”
“That particular word is very discomforting for Korean people, and I really feel very sorry for the younger players who heard that kind of song,” Park added.
“In Korea, things have changed a lot. It is true that historically we have eaten dog meat but these days, particularly the younger generation, they really hate it. The culture has changed.
“I really request the fans to stop singing that word. It causes discomfort to Korean people when they hear that song. It’s time to stop.
Man Utd officially backed Park’s sentiments, stating (via the PA): “Manchester United fully supports Ji-sung’s comments and urges fans to respect his wishes.”
Fernandes begs team-mates to stop harmful trait
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes has let his Manchester United teammates know in no uncertain terms that Saturday’s draw with Everton is simply not good enough and an urgent improvement is required.
Man Utd were made to settle for a disappointing draw with Everton on Saturday. The Red Devils took the lead but noticeably dipped in intensity after Anthony Martial’s strike. That, per Fernandes, is something that simply cannot happen anymore.
“Of course, I think it’s really difficult for us,” the Portuguese star told MUTV. “We played really well first half, create a lot of chances. In the second half we slow it down again. Once again we make that mistake. We have to learn.
“We’ve to learn and the time is now because we cannot do this anymore. We did it so many times, we cannot slow the game down when we’re winning.
“We have to make it quicker, score once again one, two goals and after, OK, you can slow it down and make them run a little bit more.
“But we have to carry on now. There’s no point… we can be frustrated because of the result, of course. But we have to come back after the national team and then be ready for the next games.”
