FC Seoul head coach Ahn Ik-soo, who is in a ‘fierce battle for second place’, once again became agitated and confronted the referee, much to the dismay of other coaches, including head coach Kim Jin-kyu, as well as the Seoul club’s front office. Ahn, who returned to the bench two games after being sent off for protesting the referee, received another yellow card from the referee.
Ahn drew attention during the home game against Gangwon in the 15th round of the Hana OneQ K League 1 2023 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Aug. 28, when he had two confrontations with referee Kim Hee-gon.
Ahn had previously left the bench after receiving a red card for protesting a refereeing decision during the team’s 2-3 loss to Ulsan Hyundai on Sept. 14. In the previous game, a 1-1 draw at home against Jeju United, Kim Jin-gyu took over as acting head coach.
After leading the team with a sense of self-restraint after the Ulsan game, Ahn said, “I was disappointed that I couldn’t meet with the fans (in the last game),” before the Gangwon game.
However, Ahn was sensitive to the refereeing on this day as the battle for second place was so close. Even when he wasn’t in the danger zone, he appealed when the officials didn’t react to his opponent’s harsh fouls. During the first half, referee Kim approached Ahn, who controlled his emotions and high-fived him and smiled.
Ahn had another confrontation with Kim in the second half. In the 31st minute of the second half, Ahn was coming out of the technical area and furiously giving orders to his players. Referee Kim approached Ahn and pulled out a yellow card. Ahn protested and was interrupted by the coaching staff. Referee Kim also approached Ahn with a dark look on his face, but the coach quickly relaxed and gave him a “second high five” to settle the matter.먹튀검증
Seoul held on for a 1-0 win and a return to second place with 27 points, thanks to Willian’s first goal of the day in the 27th minute.
On being cautioned again, Ahn said, “There is a desire to be two or three steps away from (ordering players), whether at home or away. I was inexperienced and crossed the technical area. I admit it,” he said, adding, “I will improve little by little.”