Football fans took to social media to criticise Brighton for their post, with one stating: “I thought this was photoshopped One of their players is pro war criminal?!? Like the 32 Years of service, they know about him clearly, and seem to be celebrating it?”
A second added: “I can responsibly tell everyone that the content that pops up when searching for Brighton on one of the largest social media platforms in China now is about this matter. This photo has tarnished the reputation of the club and even the city.”
A third quoted the apology from Brighton, stating: “Insane half-arsed apology, didn’t even post on the main account I can understand the kids not knowing about the history and what not, but Mitoma surely knew what he was doing there…”
One person said they didn’t see it coming: “Wasn’t on my bingo card ‘Chinese fans vehemently criticized the club for glorifying a war criminal. Onoda, at the center of the controversy, refused to surrender even after Japan’s defeat, hiding in the Philippine jungle for nearly 30 years'”
Another user suggested that it wasn’t just Chinese fans that were offended, posting: “This offends not only Chinese fans, but also all countries that contributed to WWII, including all the people and soldiers who sacrificed in WWII, including Europe. Perhaps Brighton Club believes that it was the Japan who helped Europe end WWII”