Saudi Soccer Player Grabs Son Heung Min’s Hair After Being Beaten in Asia Cup

Saudi Arabian Player No.5’s
Unsportsmanlike Conduct Receives Backlash
Hwang Hee Chan’s Collar, Son Heung Min’s Hair Pulled

Korean fans flocked to the social media of the Saudi Arabian player No.5, who showed unsportsmanlike behavior during the game.

On the 31st, during the 2023 Asian Cup round of 16 match between Korea and Saudi Arabia at the Education Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, the unsportsmanlike behavior of Saudi Arabian player No.5, Ali Al Bulayhi, was clearly captured on camera.

In the 6th minute of the first half of extra time, when Hwang Hee Chan drew a foul, Ali Al Bulayhi could not contain his anger and grabbed Hwang Hee Chan’s collar as if to strangle him, then pushed Hwang Hee Chan, causing him to fall.

Additionally, footage of him pretending to pat Son Heung Min’s head, only to grab his hair, was also released.

Although Hwang Hee Chan and Son Heung Min moved on smoothly, angry fans turned to Ali Al Bulayhi’s social media due to his rude behavior that crossed the line.

After the game, comments criticizing him such as “If you lack skills, at least be humble”, “Apologize to Son Heung Min and Hwang Hee Chan”, “The worst defender in the world”, “Can’t play soccer and lacks manners” was posted on his social media.

It wasn’t just Korean soccer fans who were angered by his unsportsmanlike behavior.

Foreign fans criticized him for his unsportsmanlike behavior, saying, “He thinks he’s the main character,” and compiled his past unsportsmanlike actions towards players like Son Heung Min, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi.

Even netizens from Japan, a country considered a competitor in the Asian Cup, expressed their anger at his unsportsmanlike behavior.

Japanese netizens criticized, “Saudi No.5’s attitude is always bad!”, “Saudi’s No.5 is really consistent”, “Saudi’s violent behavior”, and “There’s a reason why Saudi’s public order is bad”.

Meanwhile, after the game, Son Heung Min was captured approaching and hugging Ali Al Bulayhi, who had grabbed his hair, earning praise from netizens.