▲ Li Yi, a former Chinese national team player, commentating on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
A former Chinese professional soccer player turned commentator was abruptly removed from his broadcasting duties after mentioning a "Chinese military hero" from the Korean War during a 2026 FIFA World Cup match, local media including Hong Kong's Ming Pao reported on June 20.
Li Yi (47), who was serving as a commentator for the World Cup on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, was covering the match between Austria and Jordan on June 17.
Around the 34th minute of the first half, while describing a situation where an Austrian defender blocked a shot from a Jordanian player with his body, Li remarked, "It was like Huang Jiguang blocking the muzzle of a gun." Li was removed from the commentary team immediately after the first half ended.
Huang Jiguang (1931–1952), whom Li referenced, was a communications soldier in the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who fought in the Korean War and was killed in action during the Battle of Triangle Hill in Cheorwon in October 1952.
According to Chinese records, Huang sacrificed himself by blocking two U.S. military machine guns that were attacking the main Chinese force.
China bestowed the title of "Special Class Hero" upon the fallen soldier.
The story of Huang Jiguang throwing his body to block a gun muzzle has been heavily promoted by the authorities, and he is still recognized as one of China's most prominent martyrs.
Ming Pao explained that while such analogies were not uncommon in games or sports in China in the past, they have rarely been used in live broadcasts since the "Hero and Martyr Protection Law" was enacted in 2018.
However, local media reported that Li has not been subjected to a total ban from appearing on air.
Some Chinese netizens have expressed the view that Li's remark was intended to praise the Austrian player's performance and that he had no intention of being disrespectful.
Other netizens reacted by questioning whether this was a case of "literary inquisition," where individuals are punished for perceived criticism of the system.
Li, a former member of the Chinese national soccer team, is also known in South Korea as the person involved in the infamous "Eul-yong Ta" incident during the 2003 East Asian Football Championship, where he kicked Lee Eul-yong's ankle and was subsequently struck on the back of the head by Lee in retaliation.
(Photo: Weibo capture, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.