[Saba Sports News] According to South Korean media, broadcast footage captured multiple Japanese fans waving the Rising Sun Flag to cheer in the stands during Japan’s match against Tunisia, an act that sparked fierce outrage among South Korean viewers. The Rising Sun Flag served as the battle flag of the Imperial Japanese military. During World War II, Japanese troops marched under this flag to invade neighboring countries, committing arson, murder and looting. For people across Asia and all peace-loving people around the globe, the Rising Sun Flag stands as a symbol of aggressive warfare and militarism, steeped in crimes and blood debts. This is far from the first time the flag has appeared at international sporting events. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, security staff also stopped Japanese supporters from displaying the Rising Sun Flag inside the stadium. Under FIFA regulations, any politically charged, offensive or discriminatory items — including flags, banners, slogans and clothing — are prohibited from entering stadiums.
In my view, the Rising Sun Flag has repeatedly sparked international controversy from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to the 2022 Qatar World Cup and then the 2024 Paris Olympics. South Korean media have fiercely criticized Japanese fans for disgracing themselves in front of the whole world over this issue.