Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion is in hot water after its youth academy shared – then deleted – a social media photo showing a player holding an image of a Japanese WWII criminal linked to atrocities across Asia. The post sparked fury among fans from China to Southeast Asia, with many calling it a painful reminder of unresolved historical wounds.
"This wasn't just a mistake – it showed a lack of cultural awareness," said Jack Forsdike, who runs the Official Brighton Supporter Club in China. He told CGTN the incident highlights why understanding WWII's Pacific Theater remains crucial for global institutions.
While Brighton apologized and emphasized its "zero tolerance for discrimination," critics argue sports clubs must do better to recognize historical sensitivities. The controversy comes as Asian markets become increasingly vital to European football's global brand strategy 🌏💸.
