'Korean referees did it again': Lee Kang-in's debut match also mired in 'controversial officiating,' Spanish media also 'outraged' [Sangam]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid unceasing controversies over controversial officiating and recent resignations of Shim Pan-wi (Director) of the Korea Football Association, which left the Korean refereeing team in disarray, they were once again embroiled in 'controversial officiating' even during a European pre-season friendly match.

Even if it was an event-style match, both teams, with the new season just around the corner, competed with intensity exceeding that of ordinary friendlies, and the decisive controversy that ultimately changed the outcome of the game left a deeper sense of regret.

The match in question was the 2026 Coupang Play Series held on the 9th at Seoul World Cup Stadium, featuring Atletico (AT) Madrid (Spain) and Manchester City (England), two powerhouse teams representing Spain and England.

On this day, the match was officiated by domestic referees active in professional football's K League: Kim Jong-hyuk as the main referee, Kim Tae-hyung and Lee Hwa-pyeong as assistant referees, and Choi Cheol-jun as the fourth official.

Lee Kang-in (25), who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to AT Madrid, was set to make his debut for the club in front of Korean fans, drawing over 50,000 spectators to fill Seoul World Cup Stadium and attracting global football fans' keen attention.

Due to the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, neither AT Madrid nor Man City could field their strongest lineups, but with just about a week until the new season kicks off, both teams fiercely contested from the opening minutes.

AT Madrid broke the balance with an early goal by Jorge Dominguez in the 43rd minute of the first half, but the equilibrium was restored in the 12th minute of the second half when Man City's Omar Marmoush scored, making it appear as if sparks were truly flying.

Then, two minutes later, a 'controversial officiating' controversy erupted during Marmoush's equalizing goal. The scene involved Antoine Semenyo receiving a long pass from behind, cutting into the left flank, and finishing with a cross that Marmoush converted.

At the moment of the long pass behind Semenyo, his position clearly appeared to be offside as he penetrated the space behind the defense. This scene was fully displayed on the stadium's large video board. Even the AT Madrid players who conceded the goal, along with Diego Simeone and the coaching staff, watched this scene directly.

Confident it was an offside situation, AT Madrid players rushed to main referee Kim Jong-hyuk and protested vigorously. Pointing directly at the video board, they insisted that Semenyo's position was offside. However, since this was a friendly match, there was no video assistant referee (VAR) review. Ultimately, the referee accepted Man City's goal as valid. AT Madrid's lead instantly turned into a Man City lead.

AT Madrid later substituted in Lee Kang-in to make changes and aggressively pushed for an equalizer but ultimately failed to achieve results. Instead, a goal by Rayan Ait-Nouri late in the second half effectively sealed the match, and even this scene prompted some AT Madrid players to protest another offside call against the refereeing team.

Immediately after the final whistle ended the match with a 3-1 victory for Man City, Lee Kang-in was seen approaching the refereeing team alone to have a direct conversation, which also appeared to be linked to the controversial officiating decisions that changed the outcome of the game and left a sense of regret throughout the day.

Spanish media AS stated, "Lee Kang-in came on as a substitute just as Man City scored their second goal. Semenyo was clearly offside from the moment the attack began, yet the goal was still awarded." They added, "The stadium's video board showed the goal scene, and everyone saw it, yet the referee did not change the decision. It was unfortunate. The late goal by Man City in the second half also had room for controversy."

Another media outlet, Marca, also noted, "Semenyo was in an offside position, allowing him to get ahead of Carlos Martin to win the ball. Play continued despite a clear offside situation," and added, "However, since there was no video review, the goal was accepted as valid. AT Madrid players protested the decision with great agitation."

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*This content was translated by AI.