North Korean Soccer Team's Misconduct... Pushing Referee and Threatening Japanese Staff [Asian Games]

Violent Behavior After Defeat to Japan, Unable to Hide Excitement
North Korea Coach "Referee Was Unfair, Insult to Football"

The North Korean men's soccer team caused controversy by protesting to the referee and threatening the opposing staff, engaging in excessive misconduct after losing to Japan in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games match.

North Korean men's soccer team protesting to the referee.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 1st (Korean time), North Korea lost 1-2 to Japan in the men's soccer quarterfinals of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games held at the Xiaoshan Sports Center in Hangzhou, China.

The first half ended 0-0, but North Korea conceded the opening goal to Uchino Kotaro in the 5th minute of the second half. Kim Gukbeom scored an equalizer in the 29th minute of the second half, but in the 35th minute, they conceded a penalty kick to Matsumura Yuta. This goal became the winning goal, and ultimately the ticket to the semifinals went to Japan.

After the penalty kick decision near the end, North Korea strongly protested to the referee, claiming unfairness. However, the decision was not overturned. North Korean players showed great agitation, repeatedly committing rough tackles during the remaining time.

North Korean player Kim Yu-seong demanded water from a Japanese staff member who entered the ground, and when the staff did not hand over the water quickly, he raised his fist as if to commit violence and was warned.
[Image source=YouTube MBC News]

The agitation continued even after the match ended. The North Korean team did not leave the field and collectively rushed at the referee, pushing him with their bodies and arms, grabbing his neck, and exhibiting excessive behavior.

Additionally, North Korean player Kim Yuseong demanded water from a Japanese staff member who entered the field, and when the staff did not hand over the water quickly, he raised his fist as if to commit violence, receiving a warning. The violent behavior shown by North Korea on the field is a serious matter that may lead to disciplinary action in the future.

North Korean coach Shin Yongnam said at the post-match press conference, "It is true that some players were a bit excited," but he defended the players and blamed the referee, saying, "However, the main referee was not fair. This is an insult to soccer."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.