"Deeply regretted the reckless behavior" GwangjuFC goalkeeper Noh Hee-dong, who was disciplined for insulting the referee with a hand gesture, finally issues an apology

*This content was translated by AI.

• GwangjuFC club also issues apology statement

GwangjuFC goalkeeper Noh Hee-dong (24), who received a suspension from the Korea Professional Football League's Disciplinary Committee for making a hand gesture insulting the referee, has finally bowed his head.

On the 8th, when the League's Disciplinary Committee announced its decision, Noh Hee-dong wrote on his personal social media (SNS), "I sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and inconvenience to many people due to my inappropriate behavior after the match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors."

Noh Hee-dong added, "Our team was in a difficult situation due to consecutive losses, and I had a strong desire to help the team and a desperate need to turn things around. It seems that my focus on preventing even one more goal led me to lose control of my emotions and engage in actions I should not have taken."

He continued, "I should have maintained composure as a professional athlete until the end under any circumstances. I deeply regret my reckless behavior where I failed to control my emotions in the moment. However, I had no intention whatsoever to provoke or stimulate any specific player, club, or fans. Nevertheless, I clearly recognize that my actions were wrong for any reason, and I once again sincerely apologize for causing disappointment and inconvenience to many people."

Noh Hee-dong stated, "I will humbly accept all criticism and advice, including the disciplinary action. I will strive to show a more responsible attitude in the future, and I will take the lead in preventing recurrence and creating a clean K League culture." He further expressed, "I sincerely apologize once again to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors officials and fans, our Bichul fans, and all members of the K League."

Noh Hee-dong's club, Gwangju, also issued a statement on the same day, saying, "We deeply apologize to all fans who cherish and support Gwangju, as well as all members of the K League, regarding Noh Hee-dong's behavior."

Through its official statement, Gwangju FC stated, "Although this occurred in an emotionally charged situation after the match, the club takes this matter very seriously as we failed to maintain the responsibility and dignity that a professional athlete must uphold for any reason." The club added, "We judge this not merely as an individual deviation but as an issue that also carries the club's responsibility for management and education."

The club further stated, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, we will re-examine the behavioral standards and professional awareness of the entire squad, and strengthen more systematic education and internal management systems. We will continuously educate GwangjuFC players on the responsibility and attitude they must uphold both inside and outside the stadium, doing our utmost to prevent a recurrence of such incidents."

Gwangju FC officials added, "Noh Hee-dong himself has deeply reflected on this matter, and the club will take necessary measures to support the player's proper growth. GwangjuFC will strive to become a more mature and responsible club taking this incident as an opportunity."

Previously, on the 5th, during the second half's added time of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 12 match against Jeonbuk at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, Noh Hee-dong allowed his fourth goal on a penalty kick. He then protested to the referee, making a gesture of rubbing his thumb and index finger as if counting money, sparking controversy. This hand gesture toward the referee can be interpreted as an insulting act carrying meanings such as bribery. At the time, it was reported that Noh Hee-dong was protesting because another player had entered the penalty box just before Lee Seung-woo was about to take the penalty kick.

Subsequently, the situation, including Noh Hee-dong's hand gesture, was discussed at the Korea Professional Football League's Professional Evaluation Panel meeting, and the case was forwarded to the League's Legal Team and then to the Disciplinary Committee. Although Noh Hee-dong appeared in person at the committee to present his case, the League's Disciplinary Committee ultimately judged his gesture as "a hand gesture insulting the referee" and decided on a two-match suspension and a fine of 2 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.