Coach Bento Receives Red Card, Unable to Use Radio in Portugal Match

Sergio Costa Head Coach: "No Inappropriate Remarks"
Bento Sent Off in Ghana Match, Not Allowed in Locker Room for Portugal Match

On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the second match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Ghana, coach Paulo Bento received a red card after protesting the referee's decision following the game. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] Paulo Bento, the coach who received a red card after protesting to the referee immediately after the match, will not be allowed to sit on the bench in the match against Portugal. Communication using electronic devices will also be strictly prohibited in the next game.

The South Korean national football team, led by Coach Bento, lost 2-3 to Ghana in the second round of Group H at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held at Education City Stadium at 10 p.m. (Korean time) on the 28th. Starting with Mohamed Salisu's opening goal in the 24th minute of the first half, another goal was conceded to Mohamed Kudus in the 34th minute of the first half, quickly making the score 0-2. Later, in the 23rd minute of the second half, the team collapsed due to Mohamed Kudus's multi-goal, resulting in a one-goal defeat. With this, South Korea recorded 1 draw and 1 loss in this tournament.

Coach Bento brought out the card of Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in played as an attacking midfielder and delivered his trademark left-footed crosses. Afterwards, Cho Gyu-sung finished with a header, and another goal was scored. The score was tied 2-2, creating a positive atmosphere for South Korea, but Ghana took the lead again with Kudus's goal.

Coach Bento received a red card from the referee after the final whistle of the match. Although a corner kick was declared during stoppage time in the second half, the referee ended the match as it was. Since Coach Bento had already received a warning in the first match against Uruguay, he strongly protested and was eventually ordered off.

Coach Bento was unable to attend the official press conference after the Ghana match and, according to regulations, will not be allowed to sit on the bench in the third match against Portugal. A Korea Football Association official explained, "Assistant coach Sergio will attend the press conference instead of Coach Bento. This is a measure following Bento's dismissal." He added, "Coach Bento can attend the official training and press conference for the Portugal match."

In May 2010, FIFA announced that "coaches who have been suspended due to disciplinary action are not allowed to use radios in the stands to direct their teams." Therefore, Coach Bento will watch the match from the VIP room. He is also prohibited from entering the locker room during the Portugal match, and communication using radios, mobile phones, or other electronic devices will be impossible.

Sergio Costa, the assistant coach of the South Korean national football team who attended the press conference after the Ghana match on behalf of Coach Bento, said, "We believe we were deprived of the opportunity to score an equalizing goal at the end, and the referee's decisions were completely unfair." Regarding Bento's dismissal, he added, "The coach responded to the referee depriving the last chance. It was a legitimate protest that could have been made, but he was sent off without making inappropriate remarks."