South Korea’s disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign has continued to generate serious consequences away from the pitch.
The Asian nation failed to progress beyond the group stage despite entering the tournament with high expectations.
That early exit has now sparked an alarming reaction ahead of the team’s return home. Authorities have started to prepare for potential unrest.
According to The Sun, more than 150 riot police officers will be deployed at the airport when South Korea’s World Cup delegation arrives on Tuesday.
The extraordinary security operation follows a wave of death threats aimed at former head coach Hong Myung-bo. The 57-year-old stepped down after South Korea crashed out of Group A.
The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that 160 riot and airport police officers will be on duty. Another 25 special security guards have also been assigned to the operation. A police statement said:
“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.”
South Korea opened their campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic. However, defeats against co-hosts Mexico and South Africa ended their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
The team finished with just three points and failed to rank among the eight best third-placed nations.
The disappointing campaign also saw South Korea fall seven places to 32nd in the FIFA world rankings. Pressure on Hong increased throughout the tournament.
His decision to leave Son Heung-min on the bench for the final group-stage match attracted heavy criticism, and he resigned immediately after the team’s elimination.
The country’s president has since called for an investigation into South Korea’s poor World Cup performance.
Now, with tensions still running high, authorities have taken extraordinary precautions as South Korea’s squad prepares to return home following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
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