South Korea will be greeted by a heightened security presence when they return from their disastrous World Cup campaign amid death threats that have been directed at their manager.
Hong Myung-bo was unable to guide his team to the knockouts after failing to build on the strong start that saw them come from behind to beat Czech Republic, subsequently losing their next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico.
The country hoped it would qualify for the round of 32 as one of the eight-best third-place teams to advance in this year's expanded tournament, but that dream was snuffed out when DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday.
Hong, 57, has since resigned while shrouded in national disgrace, with South Korea president Lee Jae-myung branding the coach as “incapable”.
But the situation is continuing to escalate with the Incheon Metroplitan Police Agency announcing that they are sending in 160 riot and airport police for when the national team touch down in the city on Tuesday.
The Incheon International Airport Corporation will also station 25 extra officers on site, including special security personnel, to prepare for any unexpected situations.
This follows threats to kill Hong on social media, who had his face blurred on national TV as if he was a criminal following South Korea’s exit.
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.”
President Lee has lambasted Hong and the team’s performance and ordered a complete review of the national team programme.
“As a former honorary professional football club chairman and, at heart, a member of the Red Devils, I feel not just surprise but deep bewilderment at this unexpected result,” the president said.
“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.”
Hong was in his second stint with the national team, having also taken charge ar the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when South Korea also failed to advance past the group stage.
South Korea are a regular at the World Cup with 11 consecutive appearances, and went on a historic run to the semi-finals when they co-hosted the tournament in 2002.
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