'No Officiating Errors' in Gyeong-In Derby: Kim Geon-hee's Red Card and Lee Ju-yong's Own Goal Both Ruled Correctly... Here's Why

*This content was translated by AI.

'There were no officiating errors in this match.' The Korea Football Association (KFA) released an analysis on the 5th concluding that all key decisions during the K League 1 2026 Round 27 match between FC Seoul and Incheon United, held at Seoul World Cup Stadium, were correct and fully compliant with the rules.

'On the 9th, through its fourth officiating briefing, the association officially explained the rules regarding two key incidents: Kim Geon-hee's red card issued in the early first half and Lee Ju-yong's own goal recognized in the second half. FC Seoul won the match 1-0.'

'First, Kim Geon-hee's direct red card issued at the 3rd minute (2 minutes 14 seconds) was deemed an appropriate sanction for 'Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO).' During a Seoul counterattack, Incheon defender Kim Geon-hee challenged from behind FC Seoul striker Klemala while in a position where he could not play the ball, resulting in physical contact that caused Klemala to fall. The referee immediately awarded a direct free kick to Seoul and sent off Kim Geon-hee.'

'Citing Rule 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) of the match regulations, the association stated: "After comprehensively reviewing the four key factors for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity—distance between the foul and the goal, overall direction of play, possibility of maintaining or gaining control of the ball, and the position and number of defenders—all four conditions were met."'

'The association further explained: "A defender challenging an attacking player who is in possession and advancing from behind is in a position where they cannot play the ball. If contact occurs due to such a risky challenge, the responsibility lies with the defender." It added: "It was clear that Klemala's trailing foot made contact with Kim Geon-hee's knee, hindering his play, making the referee's decision to issue a red card a correct and appropriate officiating call."'

'The decision regarding Lee Ju-yong's own goal in the 16th minute of the second half (60 minutes 34 seconds), following Moon Sun-min's cross for Seoul, was also confirmed as correct. At the moment of Moon Sun-min's cross, FC Seoul's Jung Seung-won was in an offside position; however, the referee determined that Jung did not interfere with the opposing team's play and therefore recognized Lee Ju-yong's own goal as a valid score.'

'Regarding this, the association cited Rule 11 (Offside) of the match regulations: "Merely being in an offside position does not constitute an offense." It concluded: "Jung Seung-won's movement could not be seen as having a direct or obvious impact on Lee Ju-yong's physical or tactical ability to play the ball."'

'Additionally, the association stated: "A new phase of play began from the moment Seoul's Lee Seung-moo played the ball anew, and at that point, Jung Seung-won was no longer in an offside position." It further noted: "The referee's decision to not apply the offside offense and instead recognize Lee Ju-yong's own goal as a score fully complies with the match regulations."'

'The association added: "To establish consistent and fair officiating standards based on the rules and ensure transparent communication with fans and on-site personnel, we have institutionalized regular officiating briefings." It concluded: "Through systematic analysis and education for referees, along with objective evaluations, we will continue to enhance credibility."'

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*This content was translated by AI.