Sangju Citizen Stadium pitch conditions draw criticism after K League 1 match

The pitch conditions at Sangju Citizen Stadium have drawn heavy criticism following a K League 1 match between Pohang Steelers and Gimcheon Sangmu. Fans and players described the field as being in poor condition, with uneven surfaces and patches of missing grass that hindered gameplay.

Although the Korea Professional Football Federation and local officials had previously inspected the stadium and deemed the grass in acceptable condition, the actual state of the pitch during the match was described by spectators as resembling a ‘paddy field.’ During the game, Pohang players were seen attempting to repair loose patches of turf.

Pohang Steelers officials noted that while the stadium had previously hosted professional matches, the severity of the degradation was unexpected. A match between Pohang Steelers and FC Seoul is scheduled to take place at the same venue on the 20th.