Football vibes took an unexpected twist this week when Brighton & Hove Albion’s youth academy posted a celebratory photo featuring Japan international Kaoru Mitoma and a U12 player holding images of WWII officer Hiroo Onoda. The snap, shared on November 27 to celebrate a U12 win and the team’s upcoming trip to Belgium’s “Christmas Truce Tournament,” quickly ignited a social media storm. ⚽🔥
Onoda, known as the last Japanese soldier to formally surrender in 1974 after decades of guerrilla warfare in the Philippines, is a controversial figure. While some in Japan view him as a symbol of perseverance, many remember his actions, including civilian casualties, with deep pain.
Fans in the Chinese mainland led the initial backlash, calling the post insensitive. Across Asia, from Bengaluru to Jakarta, social feeds lit up with calls for respect and understanding. Brighton’s academy deleted the image and on December 1 issued a heartfelt apology for any offence caused in the Chinese mainland, stressing they hugely value their fans there and that choosing the photo was an innocent mistake outside the club’s or Premier League’s awareness.
The controversy soon resonated beyond the Chinese mainland. Social media users in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines voiced their dismay, pointing out Onoda’s record in their regions and questioning why apologies weren’t extended accordingly. 💬🌍
The Christmas Truce Tournament, named after the famous 1914 World War I ceasefire where soldiers from opposite sides paused hostilities to play football, aims to blend sport with history lessons. Brighton’s U12 squad is set to face top European academies, turning their passion for the game into a global classroom.
Brighton now faces the delicate task of rebuilding trust with fans across Asia. Many in the 16–30 demo will be watching closely to see how the club handles the fallout and ensures future posts are as thoughtful as their football. 🙏✨
Key takeaways:
- Brighton’s youth post on Nov 27 featuring Onoda sparked backlash.
- Club apologized on Dec 1, deleting the image and citing a genuine mistake.
- Fans in the Chinese mainland, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines demanded broader apologies.
- The Christmas Truce event blends U12 competition with history lessons.
Reference(s):
Brighton apologizes over photo of Mitoma holding WWII officer's image
cgtn.com
