South Korea’s media blasted Iran on Wednesday for the angry, mob-like scenes that marked the end of the World Cup qualifying match.
Iran won the face-off, 1-0, but the players hardly accepted their win with grace, South Korea’s media accused.
Rather, they goaded South Korean fans mercilessly, running around the field with their state’s flag in wild celebration — and that led angry and frustrated fans to throw hundreds of plastic water bottles and cans onto the field, South Korean media said, Agence France-Presse reported.
Meanwhile, in Iran, the streets of Tehran were in chaos as thousands rallied in wild celebration, AFP said.
South Korea didn’t care for what they characterized as unsportsmanlike treatment.
“When their victory was sealed, all Iranians at the bench ran toward the South Korean bench, with one pumping his fist into air and making obscene gestures,” the Sports Chosun reported. “They stuck their tongues out to the audience and made fun of then. … Those who are only good at playing games but have no respect for sportsmanship do not deserve to go to the World Cup.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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