LAFC Fan Accused of Racist Slur Against Son Heung-min
Spectator allegedly directed 'nihao' at South Korean star after MLS derby, sparking outrage and calls for ban.
An LAFC fan is facing widespread condemnation after allegedly directing a racist slur at South Korean soccer player Son Heung-min following a recent MLS derby match. The incident occurred Sunday after LAFC's 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium.
Video footage shared on social media appears to show a spectator repeatedly yelling "nihao" – the Mandarin word for "hello" – at Son as the player circled the field to acknowledge supporters. Using this phrase toward a Korean player is widely regarded as a racist microaggression.
The user who posted the video reported the incident to stadium security. According to the post, security stated there was little they could do because the individual had already left the section. The user expressed dismay, questioning the acceptance of racism in MLS.
Social media users have reportedly identified the alleged offender as a season ticket holder and are demanding the club issue a lifetime ban. Online reactions included strong condemnations and direct appeals to the MLS and LAFC for a response and action.
This incident follows an already contentious match, with another video surfacing allegedly showing an LAFC supporter spitting at a female LA Galaxy fan during the same game. Son, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, has been with LAFC for two years, making 52 appearances and scoring 21 goals across all competitions.
The Daily Mail has reached out to LAFC and Major League Soccer for comment.