Fan denies shouting 'nihao' at Son Heung-min, says word was Spanish 'miho'

The spectator accused of making a racially offensive remark toward Son Heung-min (LAFC, 34) has come forward with a public explanation.

The LAFC fan posted a lengthy statement Wednesday (Korean Standard Time) through the club's fan channel "LAFC Fans."

The fan said the word called out to Son — who was greeting supporters as he walked off the pitch after the match — was the Spanish term "miho," not "nihao."

The fan added that a nearby spectator, who appeared to have filmed the moment and posted it on social media, had misheard the word as "nihao." When that person asked whether "nihao" had been shouted, the fan said the answer was no, but acknowledged not fully understanding what the other person was asking at the time.

"Miho" is a shortened form of the Spanish phrase "mi hijo," meaning "my son." The fan said the nickname was a play on Son's surname and the English word "son," and that the intent had been simply to ask for an autograph — with no racial motivation whatsoever.

The fan said the fan has been a long-time LAFC season ticket holder who follows the team to away matches as well. Expressing frustration at the backlash spreading online, the fan said a request had been made to the club to release the relevant video and audio footage so the full circumstances could be verified.

The controversy began immediately after LAFC's 2026 MLS Round 31 clash against LA Galaxy at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday.

After the match, Son was greeting fans along the stands as Son left the pitch when a video circulated online claiming a spectator had shouted "nihao" at Son in a racially derogatory manner.

"Nihao" is a standard Mandarin greeting meaning "hello," but in Western contexts it is widely recognized as a racial slur used to mock people of Asian descent by lumping them together as Chinese regardless of their actual nationality.

As the video spread rapidly alongside the allegations, fans in South Korea and abroad expressed fierce anger.

Meanwhile, LAFC has launched an investigation into the incident. The club's findings are expected to clarify what was actually said and the precise circumstances surrounding it.