South Korean police are planning extensive security measures at the airport ahead of the arrival of the national World Cup team after the team’s outgoing manager received a death threat.
Hong Myung-bo resigned from his position after his side’s group-stage exit from the World Cup and harsh condemnation from the country’s president, who called the coach “incapable” and demanded an investigation into their poor performance.
The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early World Cup departure for the second time.
Following the World Cup exit, Hong Myung-bo reportedly received death threats from angry fans.
According to the Daily Mail, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency has announced they are sending 160 riot and airport police for the return of the national team in Korea’s third-biggest city on Tuesday.
That follows threats to the life of Hong. Korean news agency Yonhap reports an online post read: ‘I will take the lead and kill Hong Myung-bo XXX,’ – and added that they would ‘go to Incheon Airport and kill Hong Myung-bo on the day of his return.’
Twenty-five special security guards have also been deployed.
A police statement 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.’