Hwang Hee-chan tests positive for Covid-19 after Qatar game

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Hwang Hee-chan tests positive for Covid-19 after Qatar game

Hwang Hee-chan [KFA]

Hwang Hee-chan [KFA]

 
Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan has tested positive for coronavirus.
 
The Korean national football team's trip to Austria to play two friendlies against Mexico and Qatar has now resulted in seven players and three staff members testing positive for Covid-19.
 
Following a 2-1 victory against Qatar on Tuesday, the players were again tested for Covid-19, and it was reported that Hwang and another staff member had contracted the virus.
 
Hwang, who plays for RB Leipzig, had not only played in the match, but also starred in it. He scored Korea's first goal 16 seconds into the game, becoming the fastest-ever goal scorer in Korean football history.
 
This raises significant concern, as Hwang was on the field in close contact with the other Korean and Qatari players for almost the entire game, including Korea captain and Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, who Hwang was seen celebrating with after scoring his goal.
 
Right after Korea finished their friendly match against Qatar, Spurs sent a chartered flight to take Son back to London. However, at this stage, it's unclear whether Son is completely safe from infection as he spent a lot of time in close contact with Hwang.
 
Just like Son and the other European players, Hwang also planned to head back to his club in Germany, but with the positive test result, his return will be delayed.
 
Players did not wear masks on the pitch.
 
The seven players and three staff members who have tested positive for the virus are currently quarantined in Austria.
 
The Korea Football Association is planning to send a chartered flight to Austria to bring home the players due to return to Korea. 
 
BY KANG YOO-RIM   [kang.yoorim@joongang co.kr]
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