Choi Kang-hee's Shandong, why did you give up on yourself? Team health issues? Possibly due to Chun Doo-hwan portrait incident

Feb 20, 2025

◇photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

Local media reports say that the reason why Chinese club Shandong Taishan suddenly gave up the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) is likely due to the "Chun Doo-hwan Portrait Incident".

Chinese media Shooting China reported on the 19th that the decision was most likely related to Shandong Fan's holding a photo of former President Chun Doo-hwan in a home game against Gwangju, adding that the incident caused a great disturbance after the game. Shandong was greatly shocked by the illegal activities of individual fans and imposed a permanent ban on Shandong's home stadium, it said.

In the 7th game of ACLE between Shandong and Gwangju in the 2024-2025 season held at the Olympic Sports Center in China on the 11th, some Shandong fans showed portraits of Chun Doo-hwan toward the away supporters' seats, provoking Gwangju fans.

Gwangju strongly opposed this and at the same time defined the incident as an act of mocking and disparaging the entire Republic of Korea beyond Gwangju Metropolitan City, not just a way of cheering for fans.

Gwangju submitted an official letter of protest to the Asian Football Confederation and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strong disciplinary action. In addition, he stressed the violation of AFC regulations prohibiting political messaging and provocative activities in the stadium and urged Shandong Taishan clubs and fans to clarify their responsibilities.

Shandong apologized in a statement saying, `The rude behavior of some spectators can never represent the Shandong Taishan Football Club and Taishan fans"We deeply regret and apologize for the damage caused to the Gwangju club and the Gwangju fans."

photo courtesy of the Korea Professional Football Association

However, the 8th game of the ACLE League Stage between Ulsan and Shandong, which was scheduled to be held at Ulsan Munsu Stadium on the 19th, was suddenly canceled with about two hours left before the start of the game. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its website that it will cancel the match between Shandong and Ulsan in accordance with Article 5, Paragraph 2 of the ACLE rules.

On the surface, the reason is 'athletic health issues'. Shandong said 'The health of some players in the team has deteriorated seriously. The team's medical staff failed to form a team to play in the match against Ulsan. The club is deeply sorry and expresses a deep apology to the Asian Football Confederation, Ulsan, fans, and society at large.'"

Shooting China reported that Shandong gave a reward to the Gwangju club and public security authorities disciplined the related fans, but it would have been difficult for Shandong to participate normally in the match against Ulsan. As for the reason, 'because there can be consequences that are completely out of control'

Shandong's self-giving of the tournament has removed all the Shandong results. As a result, there has been a change in the rankings. Gwangju, ranked fourth in the league stage, changed its opponent to Vissel Kobe in the round of 16.

Pohang remained in ninth place in the league stage even in the changed rankings and was unfortunately eliminated.

Buriram and Johor, Shanghai Shenhua and Kawasaki, Shanghai Shanghai Sanggang and Yokohama F.Marinos will clash in the round of 16 in the Eastern District.

The round of 16 will be held at home and away from the 4th to 5th and 11th to 12th of next month.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.