The ongoing booing controversy, the game should be a game of its own

Sep 08, 2024

coupangplay screen capture

photo capture=Red Devil SNS

A game should be a game in itself.

There is a strong controversy over Kim Min-jae's booing. This is the case. South Korea's A national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 0-0 against Palestine in the first Group B match of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 5th. It was a graduation exhibition. The match against Palestine was the beginning of the journey to North Korea and the U.S. and Hong Myung-bo's debut in the `Second.' Criticism grew louder over the disappointing game.

From the time of his appointment, all kinds of 'noise' followed. In addition to the unsmooth appointment process, the controversy over Hong's lies, Park Joo-ho, who was a member of the power reinforcement committee, and the criticism of Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo from 'legend' came out. Eventually, this atmosphere continued in the stadium. The Red Devil's Place was infested with 'Anti-Attention'. The hanger, which symbolizes the red devil, has already been hung upside down. 'The Dark Ages of Korean Football', 'Pinokihong', 'I hate them', 'A player is first class, and the chairman is =?!' Placards on the back were placed throughout the stands.

After the national anthem, "Jung Mong-gyu Naga" and the so-called 'Anti Call" rang out. Whenever director Hong Myung-bo appeared on a large electronic board, boos came out. It contrasted with the enormous shouts that came out when the players' faces were reflected. In a chaotic atmosphere mixed with boos and shouts, the worst result came out. The booing got louder after the game.

However, defender Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) walked toward the cheering section. He shouted "I beg you" with a gesture asking for restraint from booing. Kim Min-jae, who appeared in the mixed zone, continued his remarks, saying, `In fact, it wasn't that we couldn't do it from the beginning. I wanted to tell you that because I was a little disappointed in the parts that I hoped and cheered for. I don't want to make excuses with that (that the oil had an impact). It's not what the players think, it's just that I said it because I'm a little disappointed personally.

The match between South Korea and Palestine in the third qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th. Kim Min-jae is trying to pass.Sangam = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.04/

The community erupted after the remarks. Kim Min-jae's remarks were divided into pros and cons. Of course, criticism was much louder. The Red Devils also made a statement. The Red Devils posted on their SNS page on the 6th, "'There is no cheering for them to lose' and "'Our booing and protesting are complaints and jeers against the Korea Football Association, which is consistent with lies, and against the coach who has betrayed his belief'," adding, "'From the moment the Red Devils were born, I have been with the players for all the moments, and I have not cheered for them at any moment 'Hope not to be able to do it'Hope to lose'.

Coach Hong also saw Kim Min-jae talk after the game after entering Oman. Our national players play for the country and for the people. Kim Min-jae, who I know, is a player who always appreciates the fans and plays while saying that the fans' support is very supportive. "This happened because of the criticism of me. I don't know how Minjae felt about it. I think it would be nice to support our players. Criticism is what the director needs to be blamed for."

It is a sad and exhausting controversy. Of course, the biggest fault lies with the association. This has never happened if the association has done it right. Today's association is cheap to be reviled. It is natural for fans to raise their voices. However, the damage should not go to the players. Some players wish to play in the World Cup, and others wish to play in the World Cup. Of course, Kim Min-jae's actions and attitudes are certainly subject to criticism, but what Kim Min-jae wanted was victory. It wasn't that I didn't win because of the booing from the fans, but I wanted them to cheer me up. Sports are hard to beat in shreds, no matter how low Palestinians are. This is why 'one team' is important.

Of course, it is important to communicate my voice directly. However, this is enough to be expressed before, during half-time, and after the game. If you don't like your performance, you can leave in the middle or boo after the game. The game should be a game in itself. The goal of the game is to win. No matter how much I don't like my team in Europe and South America, I don't stop cheering on the field. Whatever the issue, the most important thing is my team's 'victory'. Of course, he speaks out more intensely than anyone else before and after the game.

The match between South Korea and Palestine in the third qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th. South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo, who drew 0-0, is disappointed.Sangam = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.04/

The match between South Korea and Palestine in the third qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 5th. South Korea's Son Heung-min, who had a 0-0 draw, is disappointed.Sangam = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.04/

No matter who the target is, the boos that resonate during the game certainly affect the performance of the players. Even if you watch the K-League, it's clear. As with the intention of Anti-Call, the report cards of the teams who have experienced it are not good. One player who experienced boos said, `It bothers me when the players hear the sound of 'Who's going out?' It doesn't matter who it is. Later, the fans get scared. No matter how experienced the representative player was, booing close to 60,000 would have been even harder. No player watches the electronic display during the game. I don't know if the booing is coming to the player or the coach. If the booing continues, the morale decreases, the fear of making a mistake is daunted, and it inevitably leads to bad results."

'Captain'Son Heung-min is also upset. I can't speak for the fans. I think there must have been a director that the fans wanted. The players also do their best to wear the coach's clothes because the coach has already been decided. You can't change the outcome. I'm shameless, but if I think of the team as a captain, I'd like to ask for a lot of support and love." Then "If you give the players a lot of good stories and encouragement, they will be able to play as a driving force." I don't think we should make enemies when we play at home. I want you to think about how you can be of greater help in breaking down the opponent."

Lee Kang-in also "To be honest, I don't know about the other players, but I think it's a pity and a pity as a Korean player and a player representing the Republic of Korea. The coach joined us, and it was the first game, but I feel very sorry that we started with boos rather than cheers"Players should trust and follow the coach 100%." I believe the coach will make us play good soccer. We will follow 100 per cent. In the future, I will try hard to play good soccer with the coach and the coaching staff. Of course, the soccer fans will be very disappointed and very angry, but I hope you will show more support and interest."

It's no one's fault. These are behaviors that are fully understandable from everyone's point of view. But as a result, everyone lost. That's why it's even more unfortunate.

vanbasten@sportschosun.com