A South Korean K-League club has apologised to the people of Japan after its fans displayed a banner which made light of the country's earthquake and tsunami disaster.
"We extend our sincere apology to Japanese people and football fans," Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors said in a statement on its
website.
A paper banner reading Let's celebrate Japan's big earthquake! in Japanese was hung from the stands occupied by Jeonbuk supporters during Tuesday's Asian Champions League quarter-final second leg against Japan's Cerezo Osaka.
The banner was removed about 20 minutes into the game in the southwestern city of Jeonju after Cerezo lodged a complaint with organisers. The Japanese club sent a letter of complaint to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Jeonbuk beat Cerezo 6-1 to reach the semifinals.
"We believe it was done by an indiscreet spectator, not by our supporters," Jeonbuk spokesman Son Ji-Hoon said.
Jeonbuk has sent a written apology to the AFC, Cerezo and Japan's football association, he said.
Older South Koreans still have bitter memories of Japan's harsh colonial role over Korea from 1910-45.