FC Seoul became the first South Korean side to qualify for the knockout stage at the AFC Champions League this week, while three other representatives for the country had mixed fortunes at the premier club football competition in Asia.
FC Seoul clinched first place in Group E with a 2-0 win over Jiangsu Sainty of China. The tournament’s opening stage features eight groups of four clubs, and only the top two teams from each group reach the round of 16.
FC Seoul, the 2012 K League Classic champion, secured a berth with one game remaining.
Three other K League Classic clubs, though, weren’t as successful.
In Group E, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors were unable to secure a spot in the next round despite its 2-0 win over Muangthong United of Thailand. Jeonbuk still needs at least a draw next week to advance.
On Tuesday, the Pohang Steelers lost to Beijing Guoan 2-0 on the road, falling to third in Group G. Pohang, which would have advanced by beating Bejing, must now beat Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan in the final group stage match next week.
Suwon Bluewings were eliminated from the tournament following a 1-0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners of Australia. (Yonhap News)
Suarez gets 10-game ban for biting player in arm
Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned for 10 matches by the English Football Association on Wednesday for biting an opponent during a Premier League match, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said Suarez and the club were “shocked and disappointed” at the punishment.
The FA said in a statement that a three-man independent panel ruled that the regular suspension of three games for violent conduct was “clearly insufficient” after Suarez bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic on the upper right arm during the 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday. He wasn’t sent off because the referee didn’t see the bite, which was reviewed later.
Suarez has until Friday to appeal against the seven games added to his sanction.
“We await the written reasons tomorrow before making any further comment,” Ayre said in a Liverpool statement.
Suarez admitted to biting Ivanovic and apologized to him after the match. He also received a fine from Liverpool and was rebuked by the government on Monday.
