GOAL reported that Son Heung-min was subjected to a racist taunt from a supporter after LAFC's 2-2 derby draw with LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium on Sunday. The outlet said LAFC and MLS officials are expected to review the stadium footage and launch a formal investigation into Sunday's events.
What the footage showed
According to the Daily Mail as cited by GOAL, a spectator was filmed shouting "nihao" at Son as he thanked the crowd after the final whistle. GOAL said the term is widely recognised as a racist microaggression when directed towards a Korean individual. Footage circulating on social media showed Son glaring back at the fan in response to the highly offensive remarks.
Responses from the uploader and fans
The person who initially uploaded the video said they reported the man to stadium security immediately after the incident. They wrote: "I spoke with security and since he left Section 111 by then, they said there was little they could do. Since when was racism accepted in the MLS?"
Another user wrote: "What a disgusting b*****d this guy!! @MLS respond to this and take immediate action. How TF is racism normal? What a loser."
One frustrated fan posted: "Hey @LAFC what are you doing to protect your players???"
Other details reported by GOAL
GOAL said Son has spent two years with LAFC, scoring 21 goals in 52 appearances. GOAL also reported that separate footage from the same fixture showed a different supporter spitting on a female LA Galaxy fan.