Marco Curto (Cesena) has been suspended for 10 matches by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for making a racist remark directed at Wolverhampton’s Hwang Heechan (28).
According to Sky Sports, the Italian made the racist remark in the 23rd minute of a preseason match against Wolverhampton in July while playing for Como 1907. The incident prompted FIFA to hand him a 10-match suspension. However, five of the 10 matches were suspended for two years. His behavior will determine whether or not he will serve the suspension.
At the time, Kurto allegedly told his teammate, “Ignore him. I think Hwang Hee-chan thinks he’s Jackie Chan,” he reportedly said to his teammate. Following the incident, Courtois left Como and joined Cesena on loan just a week after the game amid growing controversy.
In the game in question, Daniel Podense, a Wolverhampton player, 카지노사이트 threw a punch at Curto while trying to defend his teammate Hwang Hee-chan, who had heard the racist remarks, and was sent off.
Matt Wilde, Wolverhampton’s chief football officer, said he welcomed FIFA’s decision.
“This punishment sends a clear message that racism will never be tolerated in football,” he said, adding, ”Wolverhampton is committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect.”
Meanwhile, Courtois, an Italian-born defender born in 1999, made his professional debut for Empoli in 2017.
He began his professional career in earnest in 2019 when he was loaned to Italian Serie B side Livorno. In 2021, he moved to Como, where he continued his career in a new environment. However, in July 2023, he made a racist remark that could be labeled as racist, and within a week of the incident, he left Como and joined Italian second division side Cesena on loan.
Despite the controversy, Courtois had been getting regular playing time at Cesena. He will now take an enforced break.