[Official] Gwangju's No Hee-dong suspended for two matches and fined 2 million won for 'disrespectful gesture toward referee'

*This content was translated by AI.

GwangjuFC goalkeeper No Hee-dong (24), who sparked controversy by making a gesture resembling counting money toward the referee after conceding a penalty kick, has ultimately received post-match disciplinary action.

The Korea Professional Football League announced on the 8th that it decided to impose a two-match suspension and a 2 million won fine on No Hee-dong following its third disciplinary committee meeting.

No Hee-dong had previously become the center of controversy on the 5th at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, where he made a gesture of rubbing his thumb and index finger together toward the referee immediately after conceding a penalty kick in stoppage time of the second half of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 12 match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

While the exact reason for No Hee-dong's protest remains unknown, it appears he was objecting to another Jeonbuk player entering the penalty box just before Lee Seung-woo was about to take the penalty kick.

The gesture of counting money with fingers was widely interpreted as a sign of dissatisfaction implying that the referee had accepted bribes to make an unfair call. Consequently, the league, after reviewing the professional evaluation panel meeting and other proceedings, determined that No Hee-dong's action at the time contained the meaning of insulting the referee and referred the case to the disciplinary committee.

No Hee-dong reportedly appeared in person at the disciplinary committee on that day to provide a direct statement regarding the circumstances at the time. However, the league's disciplinary committee ultimately judged No Hee-dong's gesture as a 'hand motion insulting the referee' and imposed a suspension and a fine.

According to the K League disciplinary regulations, players who make remarks or actions insulting the referee, excessively protest referee decisions, or display violent dissatisfaction may face penalties such as fines or suspensions.

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*This content was translated by AI.