Lee Fined for Challenging Referee
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Chunnam Dragons striker Lee Chun-soo was punished for unsportsmanlike behavior, Tuesday.
The K-League slapped him with a 6-million-won fine and suspended him for six games. He was also ordered to carry out social service as a fair-play flag holder during his suspension at three home games.
``A player's provocative action against a linesman means he didn't accept the decision of the match officials. Though we know that he already regrets and has reflected on his conduct, he also has to be responsible for his misbehavior,'' K-League reward and punishment committee member Kwak Young-chul said
Lee, who was substituted in the second half of the game against FC Seoul in which the incident took place, thought he had scored with a header in the 70th minute, but the goal was ruled offside.
An enraged Lee then engaged in a rude gesture with his arm toward the linesman, the act that attracted the wrath of K-League officials.
The match officials didn't pick up on the gesture during the match, but his actions were aired nationwide and seen on TV images.
The 27-year-old, who was released from Suwon BlueWings last season, joined the Dragons this year.
Lee now faces playing half the season with the Dragons without salary, and the team is to decide the remainder in accordance with his performance.