"Are Office Workers Experiencing Violence at Work?"... Players Association Steps Up in 'Mulbyeong Incident'

Unprecedented 'Water Bottle Incident' in K League
Player Association: "An Act of Harassing Players"

On the 11th, during a soccer match, a fan threw a water bottle that hit a player, prompting the Korea Professional Footballers Association (KPFA) to strongly urge strict measures, stating that "violence on the field is unacceptable."

Kim Hoon-ki, Secretary General of the KPFA, said in a press release on the 13th, "Violence against players on the field is absolutely intolerable. Would an office worker tolerate violence at their workplace?"

Water bottle flying toward the players [Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "The incident on the 11th was an act of harassment against the player," and urged, "Cooperation between the Korea Professional Football League and each club is necessary to address verbal and physical violence against players. Everyone must work together to ensure players can play soccer in a safe environment."

Two days earlier, at the Incheon Football Stadium, during the K League 1 2024 Round 12 match between FC Seoul and Incheon United, a water bottle was thrown from the stands toward the field. At that time, player Ki Sung-yueng was hit on a body part by the flying water bottle and appeared to be in pain.

The water bottle incident was triggered after FC Seoul goalkeeper Baek Jong-beom made a 'celebration' gesture toward the Incheon supporters' stands following the end of the match. FC Seoul and Incheon United are rivals known as the so-called 'Gyeongin Derby,' and tensions between players during the match reportedly escalated because of this. Amid this, when Baek Jong-beom turned toward the supporters and made a roaring gesture, some fans began throwing water bottles.

FC Seoul captain Ki Sung-yueng stepped forward to protect Baek Jong-beom but was unable to avoid a water bottle thrown at him. The water bottle that hit Ki Sung-yueng was reportedly somewhat heavy and filled with water. Ki Sung-yueng lay on the ground for a while, expressing pain, before being helped up by those around him and barely able to stand.

After the match, Baek Jong-beom explained, "It was wrong to provoke the Incheon spectators. As a player, I should not have done that." He added, "From the start of the second half, some supporters were cursing at me and even insulting my parents. I think I got excited after hearing those insults, which led to that gesture."