Professional Federation bans drinking for 8 to 15 games
Jeonbuk representative “I am well aware of the social atmosphere that is not tolerant… I will wait for the police investigation”
The road to go Busy professional soccer K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai met with a major bad news of ‘Japan Express’ Kunimoto’s drunk driving.
Jeonbuk, which is challenging for 10 wins and 6 losses in the regular league, was sluggish due to poor attack power at the beginning of the season, but gradually recovered its destructive power from the middle of the season and accelerated the accumulation of points.
In particular, starting with a head-to-head victory once morest ‘rival’ Ulsan Hyundai on the 19th of last month, they are accelerating their pursuit of the lead by running 4 wins and 1 draw.
As of the 9th, following 20 rounds, the gap between 2nd place (38 points) Jeonbuk and leader (43 points) Ulsan is narrowing to 5 points.
However, the day before, news like a ‘bomb’ came from Jeollabuk-do.
Kunimoto, the core of the Jeonbuk attack, was caught by the police for drunk driving.
Kunimoto is ranked 2nd in scoring (4 goals) and 3rd in attack points (5) in the team.
In particular, he has taken the lead in Jeonbuk’s rebound by scoring 3 goals in the last 5 matches.
In the meantime, the Korea Professional Football Federation Reward and Punishment Committee has imposed a ban from 8 to 15 games depending on the case, in addition to the fine, to a player caught drunk driving.
At the time of detection, if the blood alcohol level was at the level of license revocation, it would be at least 15 games, and if it was at the level of suspension of the license, it would be regarding 10 games.
The club and professional federation understand that Kunimoto was at the level of suspension of his license, but it is expected to become clear only following the police investigation results come out.
Currently, 18 of the 38 rounds of the league remain.
If the professional federation imposes a ‘heavy’ punishment, Kunimoto will be able to play only a few games before the end of the season.
For Jeonbuk, which competes fiercely with Ulsan for the lead, in fact, it is the result of Kunimoto being ‘out of the season’.
Jeonbuk will take its own disciplinary action separately from the professional federation.
Earlier this week, Kunimoto is scheduled to appear at the police and be investigated, and through this, the details of the cause of drunk driving, etc., will be determined and the level of disciplinary action will be decided.
Kunimoto is known to claim that he was caught by the police following calling a surrogate driver to his lodging and driving an additional short distance himself.
However, even if Kunimoto’s claims are true, the fact that he was drunk and driving does not change.
Also, it is difficult to avoid criticism for having a drinking party as the team’s ace during the season.
In addition, Kunimoto has a history of causing friction while playing on the Japanese stage due to drinking and smoking.
Adapting to the Korean stage and being evaluated as ‘a dog and a genius’, this drunk driving incident turned me into a ‘problem child’ once more.
Jeonbuk CEO Heo Byung-gil said, “Even though Kunimoto is the player who has performed the best, the club is well aware of the social climate that alcohol and driving should not be tolerated. We will impose internal discipline,” he said.
Jeonbuk, who Kunimoto left the squad, will play their 21st round home match once morest Incheon United at the Jeonju World Cup Stadium at 7 pm on the same day.
/yunhap news
