‘AG Gold Medalist’ Uhm Seong suffered racial discrimination in the UK… Game suspension, police investigation
Quick Look
- National team striker Uhm Um-seong (24, Swansea City), who played a leading role in the men's soccer gold medal at the Asian Games, received a racial insult during an away match against Millwall in the English Championship, and the game was halted at one point.
- The referee stopped the game in the 22nd minute of the second half, and resumed about 6 minutes later.
- Swansea and Millwall clubs condemned acts of discrimination and announced that they would apply a zero-tolerance principle, and local police began an investigation using closed-circuit TV.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Umjiseong scored 4 goals and 4 assists, including the winning goal, against Japan in the men's soccer finals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, contributing to Korea winning its fourth consecutive gold medal. He currently plays for Swansea City in the second division of the English Championship.
National team striker Uhm Uhm-seong (24, Swansea City), who played a leading role in the Asian Games men's soccer gold medal, suffered racial discrimination during an English professional soccer match, so the match was temporarily suspended and local police launched an investigation.
After the 2026-2027 English Championship (Second Division) away game against Millwall held at The Den in London, England on the 14th (Korean time), Swansea announced on the club's website, "During the second half of today's game, suspicions have been raised that there was a racist insult aimed at Um Ji-seong."
He added, “The club condemns all forms of discriminatory behavior and makes it clear that such behavior has no place in the world of soccer or anywhere in our society.”
Millwall also said through the club's official channel, "We are aware of this incident and have zero tolerance for any form of discriminatory behavior. We will take the strongest possible action against anyone who commits such behavior."
Additionally, it was reported that a police investigation into the incident is underway.
On this day, the referee stopped the game in the 22nd minute of the second half when the two teams were tied 0-0.
Uhm Uhm-seong, who was included in Swansea's substitute list, was warming up near the side row with his teammate.
The referee went to the second referee, heard the situation, and continued talking with the coaches of both teams.
According to British media such as the BBC, suspicions were raised that racist slogans were being used inside the venue, and an announcement was made that the police were using closed-circuit television (CCTV) to identify those involved.
A reporting message was also displayed on the stadium electronic display board: ‘Do not hesitate when you hear hate speech.’
The game resumed in the 28th minute of the second half, about six minutes after it was stopped.
After the game, Swansea coach Vitor Matus (Portugal) explained that the reason the game was stopped was due to racist behavior towards Uhm Um-seong.
Coach Matus said, “We all know that this is unacceptable. This situation should not occur,” and added, “We will stand by the player and be with him.”
Um Ji-seong did not play that day. Swansea won 1-0, accumulating 23 points (7 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) and maintaining the league lead.
At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games that ended earlier this month, Umjiseong recorded 4 goals and 4 assists, including the winning goal in the final (1-0 win) against Japan, leading Korea to win its 4th consecutive gold medal.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Local police will identify perpetrators of racist acts through closed-circuit TV analysis
Likely · Within weeks
Swansea City to strengthen anti-racism education or campaign at club level
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- Has a specific person who used racist slogans been identified?
- How will the police investigation proceed?
- What sanctions will be put in place to prevent similar incidents from recurring?
