Heung-min Son 'dislocated finger in ping pong bust-up with teammates' on eve of South Korea defeat

14/02/2024 01:23

South Korea's surprise semi-final exit at the Asian Cup came the night of a bust-up involving Heung-min Son, according to a report.

Tottenham captain Son was left heartbroken when his side slumped out of the final four with a shock 2-0 defeat to Jordan.

South Korea's squad was littered with top talent from across Europe's top leagues, a stark contrast to their conquerors.

Son, the most high-profile of which, was said to have taken issue with younger players in the team during a meal, which resulted in a dislocated finger for the Spurs talisman.

A source told The Sun: "The row erupted from nowhere. A few of the younger players ate very quickly and left the rest of the squad to play ping pong.

“Son asked them to come back and sit down when some disrespectful things were said to him. 

“Within seconds the row spilled into the dinning area and players were being pulled apart. Son badly injured his finger trying to calm everyone down.”

Paris Saint-Germain's 22-year-old midfield star Kang-in Lee was said to have been involved in the altercation, yet he and Son both played the following day.

Son played the semi with his forefinger and middle finger in strapping, and did the same upon his return to Tottenham's squad.

The ailment was little distraction in a 2-1 win over Brighton, with Son coming off the bench to set up Brennan Johnson's stoppage-time winner.