Wolverhampton Wolves scandal: Podence strike after racist insult
A scandal erupted during a friendly match between Wolverhampton Wolves and Como 1907. The home team's player, Daniel Podence, struck an opponent after the latter allegedly hurled a racist insult at his teammate. The English side intends to file a complaint with UEFA.
9:31 AM EDT, July 16, 2024
Soccer clubs are already gearing up for the next season. Players who represented their national teams during Euro 2024, which ended on Sunday, July 14, have been excused from preparations.
A recent friendly match drew significant attention. Wolverhampton Wolves, who play in the English Premier League, faced off against Como 1907, a newly promoted Serie A team. Wolves emerged victorious with a 1–0 win.
However, the match is most remembered for the scandal that unfolded. In the 70th minute, Daniel Podence, who recently returned to Wolves after a loan to Olympiacos Piraeus, was sent off for hitting an opponent.
It should be noted that the Portuguese player reacted to the Como players' behavior. They allegedly directed a racist insult at Hwang Hee-chan. The Korean player was offered the option to end the match early but chose to continue.
Some of Wolves' teammates comforted the Korean player following the opponents' appalling behavior. Meanwhile, Podence took it upon himself to retaliate.
The situation appears to be far from over. According to The Athletic, the English club will file an official complaint against the newly promoted Serie A team’s behavior.
