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Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min set to feature for South Korea in World Cup qualifiers despite pair’s table tennis fight

  • The duo were involved in a bust-up over a table-tennis match in the Korean team camp on the eve of their Asian Cup semi-final against Jordan
  • The altercation left Son with a dislocated finger for the match, which South Korea lost, and Lee had subsequently apologised over the incident

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A woman walks past a television screen showing a news broadcast with a picture of Son Heung-min (left) and Lee Kang-in last month. Photo: AFP

Lee Kang-in was named in South Korea’s squad on Monday 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 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 South Korean fans to forgive Lee.

The fight was because the younger players, including Lee, rushed off to play table tennis. Photo: AFP
The fight was because the younger players, including Lee, rushed off to play table tennis. Photo: AFP

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.

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