Pohang caused problems both inside and outside the stadium. Soccer fans are outraged.
Pohang defeated Gwangju FC 3-2 in the postponed match of the 'Hana Bank K League 1 2025' round 4 held on the 22nd at 4:30 p.m. at Gwangju World Cup Stadium. Pohang (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses) recorded its first victory of the season in five matches and climbed to 10th place. Gwangju (1 win, 3 draws, 1 loss, 6 points) is in 7th place.
Both teams faced a tight schedule not only in K League 1 but also in the Asian Champions League and the Korea Cup. Thus, the postponed round 4 match was held during the A-match period. Lee Tae-seok, who was called up to the national team, was absent.
It was a fierce competition. Just 6 minutes into the first half, Gwangju's Jo Sung-kwon scored the opening goal with a follow-up effort from a corner kick. In the 21st minute, Oberdan equalized with a powerful long-range shot. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Lee Ho-jae scored the turnaround goal from a penalty kick, allowing Pohang to lead 2-1.
Gwangju's Hays equalized with a header in injury time at 46 minutes into the second half, bringing the score to 2-2. In the 55th minute of injury time, Kang Hyun-je's decisive goal secured the win for Pohang.
A dangerous situation arose during the match. In the 49th minute of the second half, Gwangju's center back Jo Sung-kwon lost his balance in an aerial duel with Eo Jung-won and fell hard to the ground headfirst. Sensing a serious situation, players from both teams collided.
Jo Sung-kwon was in a situation where he could not see Eo Jung-won coming from behind. Jo Sung-kwon lost consciousness for a while. An ambulance and emergency medical personnel entered the field during the dangerous situation. Eventually, Jo Sung-kwon was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Gwangju coach Lee Jung-hyo noted, "A warning should be given for the opponent to be cautious. This way, problems won't arise, and there is no player protection. Why give a warning after the match is over?" expressing strong protest to the referee.
Eo Jung-won received a warning. In the ensuing chaotic situation, Pohang capitalized on Kang Hyun-je's counterattack to secure the victory. From Gwangju's perspective, it was a painful situation as they lost a player and the match.
After the match, Eo Jung-won said, "I assessed the situation late after the collision with Jo Sung-kwon. I approached to apologize, but Gwangju players stopped me. I am sorry that such a situation occurred. I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable. I conveyed my regrets to Jo Sung-kwon. I truly wish for a speedy recovery."
Fortunately, Jo Sung-kwon avoided serious injury. He stated on social media, "Thank you all for your concern. I am really okay."
The attitude of Pohang supporters who traveled to Gwangju for away support also became an issue. Pohang supporters 'Ultras Levante' posted their journey to Gwangju on social media, using the expression "passed through overseas immigration," which contained derogatory implications towards the Gwangju region.
Even other teams' supporters could not hide their discomfort with the attitude of Pohang fans. As controversy spread, Ultras Levante stated, "We shared content with inappropriate remarks through our public account, causing discomfort to many. We should have been more careful, but we were not. We will not make excuses. We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable."
Pohang managed to secure its first victory of the season, but it was a loss in manners.
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