‘I don’t know why that referee still appears in EPL games.’
Two days after the incident occurred, criticism seems to be growing. And it is not among Korean soccer fans, who are the victims, but among local soccer fans in England.
The content is sympathy and admiration for Son Heung-min, who played in a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on the 13th as a member of the Korean national team, and criticism of referee Andy Madley, who caused damage to Son Heung-min and the Korean national team by making ridiculous errors in judgment. Moreover, criticism is growing even more due to the fact that this referee is currently a referee in the English Premier League (EPL).
The British media Daily Star reported on the 15th (Korean time), ‘Son Heung-min stole a penalty kick that could not have been clearer than this. “Even the Premier League referee ignored it,” he said, referring again to the decision error that occurred in the A-match friendly match on the 13th.
The Korean national soccer team, captained by Son Heung-min, played a friendly match against Saudi Arabia on the 13th at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England, and won 1-0 thanks to Cho Kyu-sung (Midtjylland)’s first goal in the 32nd minute of the first half. However, two minutes after the first goal, Korea had a chance to score an additional goal. ‘Captain’ Son Heung-min received Cho Kyu-sung’s pass and broke through the box at high speed, leaving only a shot. Saudi defender Al Tambakti knocked down Son Heung-min with a rough tackle.
On the broadcast screen, there was a scene where Al Tambakti clearly tripped Son Heung-min’s leg and knocked him down. Nevertheless, referee Madley shook his head, signaled no foul, and declared a corner kick. Son Heung-min appealed by hitting the ground with an expression that seemed absurd, but the decision was upheld. Because it was a friendly match, video assistant referee (VAR) was not in operation. The Daily Star said, ‘It looked like a solid penalty scene, and replays showed Al Tambakti knocking down Son Heung-min. However, it was reported that referee Madeley ignored this. The situation passed like this.
However, local British soccer fans did not remain quiet about the ridiculous decision error scene that took place in their country and also involved EPL star Son Heung-min. Criticism of this scene is growing on social media. One fan defined the scene at the time, saying, ‘It was the clearest penalty you may never see for the rest of your life.’ Another fan said, ‘Son Heung-min had his penalty kick stolen. “I don’t know why Andy Madeley is still refereeing EPL games,” he said, criticizing the referee for making a mistake.
Son Heung-min, who performed well in the match against Saudi Arabia but lost the PK due to a ridiculous misjudgment, has shaken off concerns about injury and is preparing for the game by going through normal training at Tottenham again. Son Heung-min is expected to appear in the top match against Sheffield United on the 16th and attempt to score his fourth league goal.
By: 먹튀검증디비