Furious fans hurl insults at South Korea players and ex-manager as they return from disastrous World Cup 

South Korea were given extra police protection as they returned from the World Cup to a furious reception.

The Taegeuk Warriors headed home early after crashing out in the group stage in North America.

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Their poor performance has been met with a lot of anger and it’s understood 160 airport and riot police were deployed for the national team’s return in the early hours of Tuesday morning local time, when they touched down at Incheon International Airport near the South Korean capital, Seoul.

A statement from the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency read: “We have decided to deploy officers to prevent safety accidents that may occur during the entry process. We will respond strictly to any illegal acts, including the throwing of objects.”

And the returning South Korean squad will have been thankful for the added security measures as they were met by large and vociferous crowd, with some banging drums and hurling abuse at Hong Myung-bo – who stepped down as manager following his side’s failure to reach the Round of 32.

Hong steps down amid extreme reaction

Having begun their campaign by coming from behind to beat Czechia 2-1, they lost 1-0 to co-hosts Mexico and then South Africa, exiting the tournament at the first hurdle for the third time in four editions.

Tensions ran high after the defeat to South Africa, with midfielder Hwang In-beom less than pleased with the celebrating Bafana Bafana players.

Some South Korea fans have reacted particularly badly to their team’s elimination, with death threats aimed at now ex-manager Hong.

One of South Korea’s greatest-ever players, Hong earned 136 caps and starred in their run to the World Cup semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002 when they were eventually knocked out by Germany – before having two spells in charge of the national team.

Nonetheless, he came in for intense criticism from supporters and the media alike, resigning in disgrace.

In astonishing scenes, Hong’s face was blurred out by South Korean broadcaster KBS as he spoke to the press.

Announcing his resignation with an apology to the fans, Hong said: “To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise. Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach.

“As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me.

“Today, I step down as the national team head coach. However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people.”

Hong labelled ‘incapable’ by national leader

Hong hasn’t even been able to escape criticism from the most senior figures in the country, with president Lee Jae Myung branding him ‘incapable’.

Lee said: “As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils [the official South Korea supporters club], I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result.”

“Once again, it has been proven that personnel decisions determine everything. If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.

“I sincerely apologise to the public for the deep disappointment caused by this absurd situation. We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure this does not happen again.”

South Korea will no doubt want to make a swift appointment as they search for Hong’s successor.

They have another major tournament coming up in just over six months’ time: the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

World Cup knockouts in full swing

The World Cup Round of 32 got underway on Sunday with co-hosts Canada beating South Africa 1-0 through Stephen Eustaquio’s stoppage-time winner.

Brazil joined Canada in the last 16 in similar fashion on Tuesday as they came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1, Gabriel Martinelli also notching the decisive goal in injury time.