south korean fan sets himself 
2003 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/story?id=217146&lang=us
SEOUL, South Korea -- A man who said he wanted to help South Korea's soccer team by becoming a phantom 12th player set himself on fire Friday.
The 39-year-old man was in critical condition, hospital officials said.
Hours before South Korea's 1-0 World Cup win against Portugal, the man lit a candle and bowed several times toward the sea in the southeastern city of Busan. He then poured paint thinner over his body and set himself on fire.
Police said he left a note saying, "The sweat and tears of Coach Guus Hiddink and his players were the biggest birthday gift ever given to me. But we now have to overcome South American and European teams, and I am driven to take this road by impetuosity.
"I will become the 12th soccer player by becoming a spirit and will run for the victory of the Korean team," the note said, adding Korean soccer fans' customary cheer: "Fighting Korea!"
The man was dressed in red, the national soccer team's color. Submitted on 06/15/2002
Submitted by:
Kevin Hornbeak
Reference:
ESPN article
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