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Korean Referee Chairman's Claim Questioned Amid Goal Controversy
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

Korean Referee Chairman's Claim Questioned Amid Goal Controversy

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A South Korean football referee committee chairman claimed that referees avoid the job because they are cursed when they lose.
  • This statement is being questioned following an incident where a 수원 삼성 (Suwon Samsung) goal was disallowed, sparking controversy.
  • The article implies that the referee's performance, not just fan reactions, might be a factor in the difficulties faced by Korean referees.

A statement by Moon Jin-hee, chairman of the Korea Football Association's referee committee, suggesting that referees shy away from the profession due to being cursed after losses, is facing scrutiny. Moon reportedly stated in a parliamentary hearing, "Referees don't want to be referees because they are cursed when they lose."

However, recent events, including a controversial disallowed goal involving Suwon Samsung, are prompting questions about whether the issue is solely about fan backlash or if refereeing quality and handling of matches play a more significant role. The incident involving Suwon Samsung, managed by coach Lee Jung-hyo, occurred during a match against Cheongju FC at the Cheongju Stadium.

The article suggests that the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal highlights potential issues with refereeing standards and decision-making in Korean football. It implies that the explanation provided by Moon Jin-hee might oversimplify the reasons behind the challenges faced by referees, potentially overlooking deficiencies in their performance and handling of critical game moments.

The piece sets the stage for a discussion on the actual reasons behind the scarcity of qualified referees in Korean football, contrasting Moon's assertion with the reality of on-field incidents that draw criticism for the referees' actions. The article aims to explore whether the problem lies more in the referees' competence and decision-making rather than solely in the reactions of losing teams or fans.

Referees don't want to be referees because they are cursed when they lose.

— Moon Jin-heeStatement made by the chairman of the Korea Football Association's referee committee during a parliamentary hearing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.