Player protection comes before understanding football
Mar 23, 2025
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In that sense, the fourth round of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' match between Gwangju FC and Pohang Steelers held at Gwangju World Cup Stadium on the 22nd was the worst. The match was postponed due to Gwangju's Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) schedule. It was a bloody battle. Gwangju, which is trying to continue its advance to the round of 16, and Pohang, which is trying to win for the first time, collided. In the midst of the great game, Pohang ended with a 3-2 victory with Kang Hyun-je's theater goal in the 10th minute of extra time in the second half.
As hot as it was, there were strong clashes everywhere from the beginning. However, referee Park Byung-jin's whistle, which was in charge of the match, hardly sounded. The game was rougher due to the easy management of the game. Eventually, the accident happened. In the second half of extra time, Gwangju's defender Cho Sung-kwon fainted when he fell to his head during the competition with Pohang's Eo Jung-won. It was such a serious situation that he even performed CPR. Fortunately, Cho Sung-kwon regained consciousness outside the stadium with his quick response. It was a dizzying scene.
Eventually, Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo exploded. "The game gets rough because of the foul situation, and eventually an accident happens."You're giving me a warning after the accident, the game is over!" The words of the back were conveyed through the relay microphone. As Lee continued to react furiously, referee Park took out a yellow card. Coach Lee said after the game, `We always fight with handicaps. It's a pity" he said in a meaningful way.
K-League officials say that something has exploded. It was the K League 1's decision trend this season to not break the flow as much as possible. The idea was to increase the actual play time and induce exciting games. The criteria for judgment were slightly different for each referee, but the criteria for not breaking the flow as much as possible were shared collectively.
The problem was that players were exposed to the risk of injury based on this standard. There are physical fights like martial arts several times in a game, and the referees' reactions were lukewarm. A K League 1 manager said "The game is playing in the cold weather, but the players are feeling a lot of pressure as the game is rough." The referee has to break this flow, but it feels like he's on the sidelines." Another director also said "It's good not to break the flow, but we had to restrain it properly in harsh situations." Cho Seong-kwon's accident also occurred in this flow.
The judges say 'understanding football'. This is a story emphasized not only by the K-League but also by FIFA. 'Understanding Football' means that a decision should be made in consideration of the entire situation and context. It also means that we will respect the decisions made on the spot. But before that, the prerequisite is 'Protection of Players'. No matter how exciting the game is, it is of no use if the player is injured. The protection of players is the greatest 'obligation' of the referee.
Reporter Park Chan-joon vanbasten@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
