'Disallowed equalizer in stoppage time': Ansan FC Coach Choi Moon-sik says, "The referee said it hit the hand" [Hwaseong Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Moon-sik, head coach of Ansan Greeners in K League 2, expressed regret over the team's loss to Hwaseong FC. He explained that the dramatic equalizer in stoppage time was disallowed because "the referee said it hit the hand."

On the 3rd, Ansan lost 0-2 to Hwaseong in an away match at Hwaseong Comprehensive Sports Complex Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 2 2026 Round 10.

After conceding the opening goal to Kim Byeong-oh in the 6th minute of the second half, Ansan launched an attack. In the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Hatzel's dramatic header equalizer appeared to secure a valuable point.

However, the referee did not recognize Ansan's goal. Instead, Woo Je-wook scored a late winner in stoppage time, and the match ended with a 0-2 defeat for Ansan.

When asked by reporters about the disallowed equalizer, Coach Choi Moon-sik said, "The referee explained that it hit the hand," but added, "The player himself (Hatzel) said it hit his shoulder first and then his head. I think it should have been checked via video review," expressing his disappointment.

Coach Choi continued, "VAR (Video Assistant Referee) could have been used. I cannot say more about the decision, but that difference changed the flow of the game," lamenting the outcome.

Coach Choi Moon-sik stated, "We prepared extensively to achieve a winning streak and play well. The game was evenly matched, but I think there was a difference in decision-making and focus at the end."

He further added, "Although the result was unfavorable in a good late chance, overcoming this will allow us to play well in the future. If we can produce games that change the momentum, we can challenge for a winning streak. There are many matches in May worth challenging, so we will keep pushing forward."

With this loss, Ansan fell to 10th place with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses (11 points). Their recent record over the last four matches is 2 wins and 2 losses. Ansan will host YonginFC in a home match on the 10th.

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*This content was translated by AI.