Lee Kang-in named in South Korea squad despite Son bust-up

SEOUL: Lee Kang-in was named in South Korea's squad on Monday (Mar 11) for World Cup qualifiers this month despite a bust-up with skipper Son Heung-min at the Asian Cup.

Tottenham star Son was left with a dislocated finger after clashing with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lee before South Korea's semi-final loss to Jordan in Qatar last month.

Lee subsequently apologised after Yonhap news agency said the 23-year-old had tried to punch Son. Lee's representatives have denied there was a punch.

Son later posted a picture on social media of the pair smiling and arm in arm, alongside a message urging fans to forgive Lee.

South Korea's new interim coach Hwang Sun-hong, who took over last month when Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked following the Asian Cup exit, said he had spoken to both players before picking his squad.

"Lee Kang-in wanted an opportunity to apologise to fans and his teammates from the bottom of his heart, and Son Heung-min said we should all embrace Kang-in and move forward," Yonhap quoted Hwang as saying.

"I don't think this is a problem only between the two of them," he added.

"Everyone who was there, from players to coaches to members of the support staff, has to take responsibility.

"In the next two matches against Thailand we should all be prepared to atone for our mistakes in front of our fans."

The conflict was reportedly triggered by younger players - including Lee - rushing through their dinner so they could leave early and play table tennis.

This angered some of the older players, including Son, who wanted to honour long-standing tradition that the pre-game dinner be a team-bonding experience, triggering the brawl.

Lee and Son both played in the 2-0 loss to Jordan, the latter with two of his fingers strapped together.