Strong criticism is being directed at South Korean referees in China for making incorrect decisions regarding Shanghai Haikang's ACLE defeat.
Yokohama F. Marinos won 1-0 against Shanghai Haikang in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the 2024-2025 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League at Shanghai Pudong Stadium on the 4th (Korea time).
Yokohama secured the victory in the first leg by holding onto the early goal scored by Anderson Lopez with a header in the 30th minute of the first half. With the first leg ending in a victory for Yokohama, the second leg will be held on the 11th at 7 p.m. at Yokohama's home ground, Nissan Stadium.
After the match, several Chinese football fans, including those from Shanghai, reportedly criticized the South Korean referees officiating the game, drawing attention.
On that day, South Korean referee Kim Jong-hyuk served as the main referee, with assistant referees Park Kyun-yong and Jang Jong-pil assigned to the match. The video assistant referee (VAR) and assistant VAR were Kim Woo-sung and Chae Sang-hyup, respectively.
The issue arose in the 34th minute. A cross from Shanghai into the Yokohama penalty box hit the right thigh of defender Nagato Katsuya before touching his right hand.
As the ball made contact with Nagato's hand, Shanghai players unanimously claimed a handball foul, demanding a penalty kick. However, referee Kim Jong-hyuk did not respond.
Soccer Digest reported, "Chinese media have expressed discontent with the South Korean referee. They pointed out, 'VAR did not intervene! The ball that was cleared by a Yokohama player in the penalty box hit his hand and rebounded.'"
"Shanghai Haikang fans and Chinese football fans are strongly criticizing South Korean referees," it explained.
Chinese football fans are asserting, "It's definitely a penalty kick," "The South Korean referee is absolutely terrible," "The South Korean referees came for revenge," "It's a scam!" and "At the very least, VAR intervention was needed."
[OSEN]