From a crisis of the manager's resignation to applause after a crushing defeat... The strength that keeps Anyang standing even when shaken

*This content was translated by AI.

In front of the captain and the team, who bowed their heads in a crushing defeat, there was no jeering but unwavering encouragement and applause. Even amidst crisis, Anyang's power to silently lift its wavering team came from the support of fans guarding the stands.

FC Anyang lost 0-3 to Gangwon FC in a home match at Anyang Stadium on the 6th as part of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 27.

Although it was a home game played after enduring fierce waves calling for the resignation of coaches, the team failed to turn the tide, suffering a defeat against Gangwon for the first time in nearly 10 years following lifeless play.

The atmosphere in the mixed zone after the match was somber. Even captain Lee Chang-yong, who usually speaks frankly about the team's situation and responds diligently to reporters' questions, unusually declined an interview on this day. This was due to the heavy sense of responsibility as a captain compounded by consecutive setbacks and a home defeat. Other players also left the mixed zone with grim expressions.

However, the atmosphere in the corridor outside the mixed zone was different. Anyang fans, who had waited for the team until late hours, greeted the departing players with applause despite their somber expressions. The players, amidst the regret of defeat, silently responded to fans' requests for autographs and photo sessions, conveying gratitude and apology.

Such support from Anyang fans is not a recent development. The turning point that changed the mind of Manager Yoo Byung-hoon, who had recently solidified his intention to resign, was also the fans' pleas against it. In a pre-match interview ahead of the Gangwon game, Manager Yoo stated, "I feel deeply sorry that the fans' support continues. I will strive in the next match to repay that support," revealing that the fans were a major reason for his return.

Anyang endured every moment of crushing defeat with encouragement from its fans. Even when they suffered a 0-7 blowout loss against FC Seoul in a local rivalry match on the 22nd last month, the stands offered encouragement rather than criticism. Goalkeeper Kim Jeong-hoon, who conceded seven goals at that time, later remarked with self-blame, "I would have felt less ashamed if I had been cursed; I couldn't lift my head to the applause saying 'It's okay'."

Captain Lee Chang-yong also said shortly after the victory against Gangwon in July, "Anyang fans do not criticize but trust and support us even when the team is wavering. Such support is the greatest pillar for getting through the season," citing the fans as the team's greatest strength.

The result was a crushing defeat, and criticism of the performance was unavoidable, yet Anyang's driving force to stand firm without collapsing remained solid. Even in the silence that made the captain's steps heavy, it was the Anyang fans who steadfastly held their ground that sustained the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.