The South Korean national team faced claims of internal divisions ahead of the Asian Cup scheduled for January in Saudi Arabia. (EPA Images pic)SEOUL: South Korea's football association has told fans to stop "excessive personal attacks", warning of the "psychological burden" it could inflict on national team players in the crosshairs since their World Cup flop.

Hong Myung-bo quit as coach after the team failed to advance past the group stage in North America, and Spanish interim Robert Moreno is awaiting word on a possible extension.

With the Asian Cup scheduled to take place in January in Saudi Arabia, the national side are engulfed by claims of internal divisions.

Local media reports say some younger players feel held back by senior members of the squad, including long-time captain Son Heung-min.