Saudi Arabian football fans, officials, and former players have condemned the behavior of a minority of supporters who taunted Japan’s captain Maya Yoshida after his team’s 1-0 loss in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Jeddah.
The incident was filmed by a fan on his mobile phone and later posted on social media, leading to Saudi football followers launching a campaign on Twitter under the hashtag, Saudi fans apologize to Japan.
Center back Yoshida, 33, was preparing to give a post-match interview when the jeers from the stand started.
The incensed player began to remonstrate with the crowd before storming of the pitch. Soon after, Saudi fans flooded social media platforms with messages of support for Yoshida. —AB
