Return of K-League to ground in South Korea after COVID-19 Pandemic
JEONJU, South Korea – Soccer is back in South Korea for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic pack up sports round the world, and its success or failure is going to be watched closely by leagues everywhere.
The K-League season began Friday in Jeonju with defending champion Jeonbuk Motors playing in an empty stadium but with chants piped in from supporters. rather than fans, banners with messages of support were draped around the stands.
The hosts beat Suwon Bluewings 1-0 during a match that was broadcast to 36 countries, including Germany, Britain, India, and Australia.
The sport was also shown on YouTube and the league’s Twitter page.
Former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-gook came off the bench to attain the winning goal.
"I think it's the first time on behalf of me to play without fans and that I hope they will come soon,” said Lee, who did not score during his spell within the Premier League. "With the goal, I feel I even have reminded fans around the world that I'm still around.”
Suwon was forced to play with 10 men after Australian midfielder Terry Antonis was shown a red card for a rash tackle. The 41-year-old Lee, the all-time leading scorer within the K-League and therefore the Asian Champions League, headed home a corner nine minutes later.
As a part of the league’s new safety measures, there have been no handshakes and officials, coaching staff and substitutes were all required to wear masks.
There was little sign of spitting or in-game "close” conversations with teammates and opponents, actions the K-League said are often punished if they're repeated.
"You could see that the players felt awkward playing in an empty stadium but it had been great to finally start the season,” Jeonbuk coach Jose Morais said.
Morais formerly coached English club Barnsley and was an assistant to Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea, but he’s preparing for the soccer world’s focus to show to South Korea with three games scheduled for Saturday and two more on Sunday.
"It is that the first time to possess such international interest within the K-League,” Morais said. "For the players, quite a burden, they need a responsibility to point out their best game to the planet and to point out what the league is all about.” He further said.
The league purchased 1,100 tests on players and staff at the top of April, and everyone came back negative. it's also shortened the season from 38 matches to 27. That number might be reduced further to 22 games if there's the second wave of infections.
Former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-gook came off the bench to attain the winning goal.
"I think it's the first time on behalf of me to play without fans and that I hope they will come soon,” said Lee, who did not score during his spell within the Premier League. "With the goal, I feel I even have reminded fans around the world that I'm still around.”
Suwon was forced to play with 10 men after Australian midfielder Terry Antonis was shown a red card for a rash tackle. The 41-year-old Lee, the all-time leading scorer within the K-League and therefore the Asian Champions League, headed home a corner nine minutes later.
As a part of the league’s new safety measures, there have been no handshakes and officials, coaching staff and substitutes were all required to wear masks.
There was little sign of spitting or in-game "close” conversations with teammates and opponents, actions the K-League said are often punished if they're repeated.
"You could see that the players felt awkward playing in an empty stadium but it had been great to finally start the season,” Jeonbuk coach Jose Morais said.
Morais formerly coached English club Barnsley and was an assistant to Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea, but he’s preparing for the soccer world’s focus to show to South Korea with three games scheduled for Saturday and two more on Sunday.
"It is that the first time to possess such international interest within the K-League,” Morais said. "For the players, quite a burden, they need a responsibility to point out their best game to the planet and to point out what the league is all about.” He further said.
The league purchased 1,100 tests on players and staff at the top of April, and everyone came back negative. it's also shortened the season from 38 matches to 27. That number might be reduced further to 22 games if there's the second wave of infections.
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