*This content was translated by AI.
Pohang Steelers has launched a comprehensive safety inspection of the entire stadium following an incident where concrete fell from the spectator stands at their home ground, Pohang Steel Yard. As a result, the Korea Cup Round of 16 home match scheduled for the 19th will no longer be held at Steel Yard.
In a press release on the 13th, Pohang stated, "An incident occurred during a home match held at Pohang Steel Yard on August 8, where part of the concrete fell onto the spectator tables." They added, "To ensure fan safety, we have decided to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of all facilities at Steel Yard."
The club further noted, "It has become difficult to hold the match against Jinju Citizen Football Club scheduled for August 19 as part of the 2026-2027 Korea Cup Round of 16 at Pohang Steel Yard. Details such as the venue and match schedule will be announced once finalized through consultations with relevant institutional investors."
Regarding whether future scheduled K League 1 home matches will be held at Steel Yard, the club explained, "We plan to make a decision after comprehensively reviewing the results of the safety inspection and consultations with relevant institutional investors. We will provide prompt updates as soon as a decision is made."
Earlier, during the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 22 match between Pohang and Ulsan HD held at Pohang Steel Yard on the 8th, part of the concrete ceiling above the away team's table section fell, injuring one spectator seated in the stands with a scrape on the back of their hand. Immediately after the incident, the club's medical team confirmed the condition on-site, and the responsible official is currently maintaining communication with the injured spectator regarding hospital treatment and compensation matters.
Immediately following the accident, Pohang initially considered prioritizing repairs and reinforcement of the affected area before upcoming home matches, and if work remained incomplete, proceeding with matches while closing off that section. The Korea Professional Football League also issued an urgent safety inspection notice for stadium facilities to all K League clubs and has taken follow-up measures.
However, given Steel Yard's characteristics as a facility commissioned in 1990 that has undergone aging, Pohang and POSCO ultimately decided to conduct a comprehensive full-scale safety inspection of the entire stadium, going beyond simple reinforcement, to guarantee spectator safety above all else.
Pohang expressed, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern caused by this incident." They added, "To create a Pohang Steel Yard where fans can visit with peace of mind, we will thoroughly implement necessary measures based on the safety inspection results and continuously strengthen management and inspections of stadium facilities."
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*This content was translated by AI.
