South Korean FA condemns ‘personal attacks, criticism’ of players as attempt to sow discord

South Korea’s football association has told fans to stop “excessive personal attacks”, warning of the “psychological burden” they could inflict on national team players in the crosshairs since their World Cup flop.

Hong Myung-bo quit as coach after the team failed to advance past the group stage in North America, and Spanish interim manager Robert Moreno is awaiting word on a possible extension.

With the Asian Cup scheduled to take place in January in Saudi Arabia, the national side are engulfed by claims of internal divisions.

Local media reports say some younger players feel held back by senior members of the squad, including long-time captain Son Heung-min.