Tottenham star Heung-min Son hits out at ‘aggressive’ North Korea

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Tottenham Hotspur star Heung-min Son says it’s a ‘huge achievement’ he isn’t returning to north London injured, following a physical encounter with North Korea on international duty.

The winger captained South Korea in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Pyongyang, which was played out at an empty Kim Il-sung Stadium.

Foreign media were not allowed in to cover the game, and it was not broadcast live on TV.

Details from the game have now emerged, and Spurs ace Son isn’t happy.

Speaking to reporters at Incheon airport, he said (quotes published by The Mirror): “It’s too bad that we didn’t win, but the match was very aggressive to a degree that I think it’s a huge achievement just to return safely without being injured.

“North Korean players were sensitive and aggressive. There was a lot of severe swearing.”

Despite the apparent aggression from the North Korea players, only two yellow cards were brandished during the clash.

TBR’s view

For Son to speak in such a way is fairly rare, and so clearly there must have been a few nasty challenges in the game – Spurs fans will be relieved their man is arriving back unscathed.

The 27-year-old is a key player for Mauricio Pochettino and his quality is desperately needed right now with Tottenham really struggling to pick up wins.

He may have escaped North Korea unharmed, but how much involvement he will have in Spurs’ upcoming game against Watford remains to be seen given the travelling he has done.