AliousBrighton & Hove Albion have issued an apology after a post on one of their official X accounts sparked widespread anger. The incident didn’t stop other social media activity surrounding their 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest from becoming flooded with furious reactions about the now-deleted post, which included an image of former Imperial Japanese Army officer Hiroo Onoda.
Onoda is an extremely contentious figure linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities in China, which resulted in millions of deaths. Many viewed Brighton’s use of his image as an inappropriate and offensive glorification of someone tied to historical war crimes.
As the controversy spread, the post went viral on Weibo — China’s largest social-media platform — quickly becoming one of the leading trending topics.
Brighton removed the post, calling it a genuine mistake. However, South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo criticized the club for addressing only Chinese sensitivities, emphasizing that Japan’s wartime brutality also included decades of oppressive rule over the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, a Japanese media source familiar with the matter described the topic as “extremely sensitive,” adding: “I will not comment on it.”
The original image showed Mitoma with a young player and a customized football card that depicted Onoda. There is no implication that Mitoma knew the identity of the figure on the card, and it’s even possible the Onoda image was added afterward without his knowledge.
Brighton, seeking to grow their international reputation, stated:
“We sincerely apologise for any offence caused in China by a recent post regarding our Academy’s involvement in the Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament. We value our supporters in China deeply and intended no disrespect.”
The club’s formal charter affirms:
“Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club considers all forms of discriminatory behaviour to be unacceptable.”
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