Korean Referee Chairman's Claim Questioned Amid Goal Controversy
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- 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.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.