The AFC Champions League (ACL), which determines Asia's club champions, made significant changes to its tournament structure from the 2024/25 season which kicked off in September 2024. The top tier, now called the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite), features 24 powerhouses divided into East and West regions (12 teams each), with each club playing eight matches in the group stage. Every match has been fiercely competitive and of a high standard, but amidst the fierce competition, there was one match that truly embodied the spirit of respect.

The match between Kawasaki Frontale and Gwangju FC (Korea Republic) at Todoroki Stadium in Kawasaki City on 1 October was a very clean game. And not only that, the way both clubs and their supporters behaved after the match reminded us of how beautiful the game can be.

Gwangju opened the scoring in the first half with a penalty. Kawasaki fought back in the second half, but Gwangju showed great resilience to hold off the home side while looking for opportunities to score a second goal. With neither side finding the back of the net in the second half, Gwangju held on to their one-goal lead to secure their second straight win in the ACL Elite, leaving Kawasaki with a record of one win and one loss. However, as this was only the second match of the group stage, both teams appeared calm after the match.

After the game, the two teams lined up at the centre of the pitch alongside the referees and shook hands. The supporters of both clubs applauded loudly. Then something unusual happened.

The Gwangju players, led by their captain LEE Min-ki, waved to the Kawasaki supporters, who responded with an even louder round of applause.

“We would like to thank Kawasaki for preparing such a wonderful environment for us from the day before the match. The city's hospitality was second to none. Despite the tight schedule (with domestic fixtures in Korea) we were able to prepare well and are pleased with our performance.”

Lee spoke as above at the post-match press conference after being named Player of the Match.

“I was surprised by the positive reaction we received from the Kawasaki fans, not only after the game but also during the game. It's not that it never happens in Korea, but it's not something that happens all the time. Playing in front of so many fans, we enjoyed the game and felt happiness as players. So, we wanted to show our respect and gratitude by waving to them. We wanted to thank everyone who was involved in the game.”

The match kicked off at 7pm on a Tuesday in front of a crowd of 12,527 at Todoroki Stadium. Kawasaki's average attendance in the J. League is around 21,000, so it could be said that the crowd was only 60% of their usual attendance. But considering that the standing areas behind both goals were closed under ACL regulations, it was a respectable turnout.

Although the home defeat was painful, the reaction of the Kawasaki players after the match was also admirable. They all walked over to the Gwangju supporters' stand and waved to them before heading over to the home supporters' stand.

Gwangju head coach LEE Jung-hyo was also impressed by the display, commenting in the post-match press conference: “It's a wonderful culture.”

It was a day that made me realise once again that a “respectful match” cannot be achieved unilaterally. As well as those who show respect through their actions, there must also be those who recognise it. And it is essential that this recognition of respect is expressed through actions and words. When this becomes a bilateral relationship, respect for each other is established and will remain in everyone’s heart for a long time.

Players and fans can become overly passionate in the ACL games, creating a hostile environment in many cases. That is why the 2024 match between Kawasaki and Gwangju left a lasting impression.

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” November 2024 edition.

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