Mixed reactions from players over no-fan season

Gwangju FC players train at Suncheon Palma Stadium in Suncheon, South Jeolla Province, in January. The team was promoted to K League 1 this year. / Courtesy of Gwangju FC

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Korea's two most popular professional sports ― the K league and Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) ― will finally start next week, but players are displaying a mixed reaction to their governing bodies' plans to have games behind closed doors until the government says otherwise.

The professional football and baseball players sounded relieved as both leagues are finally set to start despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of them expressed concerns about their no-fan games.

“Fans are one of the most important factors in this business. It's thrilling to hear them cheer when we score a goal. They will be really missed,” said Suwon FC captain Lee Han-saem.

“However, games will be relayed. We will find ways to communicate more closely with our supporters.”

The authorities have also imposed a number of measures to follow during the games in a bid to prevent the coronavirus from possibly spreading among players.

No spitting or handshaking between players as well as with referees is allowed. Each players can only use water bottles that are labeled with their names.

They are also not allowed to talk to each other, opponents or their coaching staff during the game.

“It is pretty impossible to play the game properly,” said Incheon United player Kim Do-hyeok after playing an exhibition match with Suwon FC.

Things are similar in the KBO games.

“We usually root for our team players from the dugout. Now with no fans in the stands, every word we say can be heard in the ball park. This could breed misunderstanding during the game,” said a Seoul-based KBO team player who asked not to be named.

Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James shares the sentiment. He said during an interview with reporters last month that he doesn't want to play basketball if the NBA governing body decides to resume the league without fans.

“I ain't playing,” said James.

“I ain't got the fans in the crowd. That's who I play for. I play for my teammates. I play for the fans. That's what it's all about. If I show up to an arena and there are no fans in there, I ain't playing. They can do what they want to do.”