Foreign coach Heungkuk's unexpected behavior...A referee intimidated by the cheering heat? Why didn't you do anything?

Dec 18, 2024

중계화면 캡쳐. Courtesy =KOVO

During the game, the coaching staff crossed the line. The anger of fans as well as the volleyball community is pouring out. Only the position of the winner to be celebrated became embarrassed.

The match between Heungkuk Life Insurance Co. and Jeong Kwan-jang took place at Samsan Gymnasium in Incheon on the 17th. Heungkuk Life, led by Kim Yeon-kyung, is the team with the largest fandom in the world of volleyball. It was a game in which Heungkuk Life Insurance, which is leading the women's team this season, challenged Hyundai Engineering & Construction's record of consecutive wins (15 consecutive wins) in a single season. As it is a strong clash between the favorites this season, the heat of the field has become even hotter.

However, a surprising situation occurred during the second set match. In 19-17, Chung Kwan-jang coach Ko Hee-jin was in the process of protesting against Jeon Young-ah's progress of the game.

Heungkuk Life Insurance's head coach Daniele crossed the set 'line'. He came over to the opponent's court camp and said something to coach Ko Hee-jin while bending down.

Surprised by the momentary situation, Heungkuk Life Insurance staff rushed to the coach and 'dragged' him. Coach Ko Hee-jin continued to protest with an absurd expression, but no additional action was taken. Even after the game, reporters asked for an explanation "It's embarrassing. It's not something that should happen. I don't want to talk more. The federation or the club will take care of it." The match ended with a 3-1 victory in the set score of Jeong Kwan-jang, where Bukrich and Mega were active, and Heungkuk Life Insurance's winning streak ended.

However, coach Daniele's facial expressions and actions remained intact in the broadcast video. Commentator Cha Sang-hyun "You can express your dissatisfaction with the referee, and the directors can express actions or hateful expressions. However, the coach has never seen and should not show actions and expressions that seem to mock the opposing team's coach. It must be pointed out even after the game is over" he raised his voice.

Hungkuk Life coach Daniele shouting at Chung Kwan-jang coach Ko Hee-jin. Photograph =KBSN Sports Broadcast Capture

After the game, commentator Park Mi-hee also said " (upset by the game)Even if you look at the front and back situations, it is not right for the coach to act like he said something ridiculous and harsh to the opposing coach. Think of coach Lee Kang-joo doing that to manager Avonja. It is something that should not be done." Commentator Park Chul-woo also said, `There may be arguments or clashes between players. However, this incident does not end just with the referee's restraint. Strong action is clearly needed beyond that."

In response to the incident, Jeong Kwan-jang sent an official letter to the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) on the morning of the 18th to protest. An official of the articles of association said "No disciplinary action was taken on the scene. He explained, "The purpose is to review (disciplinary action) at the federation level."

Heungkuk Life Insurance Co., Ltd. "Coach Daniele said it was not intended to be ridiculed, but apart from the content, it is a wrong behavior. I am sorry to the club of Jeong Kwan-jang and head coach Ko Hee-jin. I offer my apologies." The federation is internally reviewing its position on the controversy. It is likely that a reward and punishment committee for coach Daniele will be held.

사진제공=KOVO

However, there is another point where volleyball officials are disappointed. It is a problem that is directly related to the authority of the V-League referee who fell to the floor. Why didn't the referee take appropriate action.

First, the coach spoke directly to the opposing team's coach during the game (which will not be positive). Second, in this process, the coach came over the opponent's coaching staff's area and beyond the court.

Two things alone have good reasons for coach Daniele to be disciplined. Volleyball circles are saying, `If the referee had at least ordered the coach to leave the set, the situation would be very different from now.'

사진제공=KOVO

A federation official said it was difficult for the referee to accurately grasp the situation at the time", he explained. As it is in the middle of the game, referee Jung Joon-ho is likely to have been preparing for the next situation, including position faults. It is common for the referee and the assistant referee to communicate with the coaches of both teams.

In addition, Coach Daniele's unexpected behavior is literally the first time in the 20-year history of the V-League. Even the commentator who was watching everything outside "I don't know how to say it because it's my first time experiencing it" to the point where he was embarrassed. It is explained that it was difficult for the referee who experienced the situation directly at the scene to judge the situation momentarily. As a foreigner, I couldn't hear exactly what coach Daniele said, and it literally happened in a flash.

사진제공=KOVO

However, it is clear that the appearance alone is a 'crossing the line', and yet the judges took no additional action. This is why some say that the referee put the judgment on hold, such as disciplinary action, under the weight of Heungkuk Life's home stadium atmosphere. It means that the referee put the responsibility as a referee on KOVO by not taking additional measures, as if the referee was handing over the burden of judgment to the players through a video reading of the referee.

In the aftermath of Heungkuk Life Insurance's misbehavior and consequences, Chung Kwan-jang's victory, which broke the league's strongest team's winning streak and showed its potential, has not been celebrated. The honor of Heungkuk Life Insurance's team, which ranks first in the league this season, including Kim Yeon-kyung, is also on the verge of being tarnished. It is time for the federation to make a decision.

lunarfly@sportschosun.com