Gwangju, South Korea – Shandong Taishan Football Club has issued a formal apology to Gwangju FC following inappropriate behavior by some of its fans during their recent Asian Champions League (ACL) match. The apology, relayed through the Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju on February 14th, addresses an incident that has sparked controversy and prompted swift action from the Chinese club.
The incident occurred during the ACL group stage match on February 11th, where Gwangju FC suffered a 3-1 defeat to Shandong Taishan on the road. It has since come to light that some Shandong Taishan fans displayed images of former South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan towards the Gwangju FC supporters section. At the time, neither the visiting Gwangju FC fans nor the club itself were aware of the offensive display.
In its statement, Shandong Taishan FC emphasized its long-standing commitment to civilized spectating and respect for opponents. The club reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of spectator misconduct, asserting that the actions of a few individuals do not reflect the values of the club or its broader fanbase.
“Shandong Taishan strongly condemns the behavior of these individuals,” the statement declared. As a result, the club has decided to permanently ban those involved from attending Shandong Taishan FC home matches. The statement further expressed the club’s deep regret for the harm caused to Gwangju FC due to the inappropriate actions of a few fans.
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining respectful and sportsmanlike conduct within football stadiums, particularly during international competitions. Shandong Taishan FC’s swift response and decisive action demonstrate a commitment to upholding these principles and ensuring a positive environment for all participants and spectators.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, February 14). 山东泰山就球迷不当行为向光州FC致歉 [Shandong Taishan apologizes to Gwangju FC for inappropriate fan behavior]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL from the provided text here – since I don’t have access to the internet, I can’t retrieve the URL]
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