7 June 2021. The engine of Korean football stopped. The second anniversary of the death of the late Incheon United honorary coach Yoo Sang-chul, who always overcame adversity, has arrived.
On 7 June, the second anniversary of Yoo’s death, Incheon took on FC Seoul at the Incheon Football Stadium, where he last coached. It’s the halfway point of the season, and the battle for the top spot is on. Incheon needed to extend their unbeaten run to five games, while Seoul needed to win to close the gap at the top.
But players and fans alike have not forgotten Yoo’s second anniversary. After a special national ceremony organised by Incheon to mark the occasion, Yoo’s image was projected on the scoreboard. The black-and-white photo was accompanied by the words “Forever with YOO” and everyone in the stadium stood in a moment of silence in remembrance.먹튀검증
It didn’t matter who you supported. Six minutes after kick-off, the supporters of both teams, who had been battling it out in the stands, were the first to fall silent. A minute’s applause, short or long, filled the stadium in honour of Yoo Sang-cheol, wearing the number 6 on his jersey.
“Honorary coach Yoo Sang-chul, we will never forget you,” a voice from the field said, followed by more applause. It has been two years since Yoo’s departure, but his dedication to the game, regardless of position, was evident throughout the stadium.
Yoo was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in November 2019 while in charge of Incheon. Even as his health deteriorated, he showed a sense of responsibility by staying on the bench and keeping Incheon in the K League One. Yoo, who said he would return to Incheon in good health, sadly passed away 19 months later.
In Yoo’s second term, Incheon refused to lose. Before the game, head coach Cho Sung-hwan said, “This game is on the anniversary of Coach Yoo’s death. The players will be motivated and we need to play a game that will comfort the fans.” Cho’s call was heeded, as Incheon drew 1-1 with Seoul thanks to an early goal from Gerso.