K-League kicks off with no crowd
JEONJU, South Korea, May 9, (AP): Soccer is back in South Korea for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut down sports around the world, and its success or failure will be closely watched by leagues everywhere.
The K-League season kicked off Friday in Jeonju with defending champion Jeonbuk Motors playing in an empty stadium but with chants piped in from supporters. Instead of fans, banners with messages of support were draped around the stands.
The hosts beat Suwon Bluewings 1-0 in a match that was broadcast to 36 countries, including Germany, Britain, India and Australia. The game was also shown on YouTube and on the league’s Twitter page.
Former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-gook came off the bench to score the winning goal.
“I think it is the first time for me to play without fans and I hope they can come back soon,” said Lee, who failed to score during his spell in the Premier League. “With the goal, I think I have reminded fans around the world that I am still around.”
Suwon was forced to play with 10 men after Australian midfielder Terry Antonis was shown a red card for a rash tackle. The 41-year-old Lee, the record scorer in the K-League and the Asian Champions League, headed home a corner nine minutes later.
Kohfeldt said he is moving training sessions to the stadium as his team prepares to host Bayer Leverkusen on May 18.
World players’ union FIFPro will be watching Germany closely for possible injuries and illnesses resulting from shortened training periods and packed schedules, general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann told The Associated Press on Friday.
German league CEO Christian Seifert said Thursday the league was following developments but hadn’t yet decided on making the change.
Meanwhile, Leipzig defender Lukas Klostermann has signed a contract extension with the club through 2024, the team said.
The 23-year-old Klostermann had one year remaining on his contract. The Germany international has played in 23 of 25 matches this season and in all eight games during the team’s run to the Champions League quarterfinals.