Beijing: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will be without the services of Han Kyo-won for Tuesday’s AFC Champions League Round of 16 second leg tie against China's Beijing Guoan, after the Korea Republic midfielder was suspended by his club following their K-League Classic fixture with Incheon United on Saturday.
A red card just five minutes into the game against Han’s (pictured, right) former club following an off-the-ball clash with Park Dae-han, saw Jeonbuk ban the player from the return meeting with Beijing, as well as punish him with 80 hours of community service and a 20 million won fine.
Han, 24, started in the Round of 16 first leg against the Chinese Super League side in Jeonju as they shared a 1-1 draw, with Kim Kee-hee’s 12th minute opener matched by Pablo Batalla’s late penalty for the visitors, but he will play no further part in Jeonbuk's attempt to return to the last eight following back-to-back exits in the Round of 16 over the last two years.
And with five appearances and one goal so far in Jeonbuk’s 2015 AFC Champions League campaign, the absentee will be a big miss for the side according to his coach Choi Kang-hee.
“Han Kyo-Won's suspension is a big pity. He is an important part of our team, especially to our front-line,” said Jeonbuk coach Choi, who guided Jeonbuk to the 2006 continental title as well as the 2011 final.
“Especially as it will be a game that we have to win because the first round was a 1-1 and we will have to focus on attacking.
“But what happened has happened, we have alternative solutions.”
Despite Han’s dismissal, Choi’s side were still able to secure a 1-0 victory against Incheon thanks to a 49th minute goal from Brazilian forward Edu, and the 2014 K-League champions continue to lead the early domestic standings by some margin – 11 points ahead of second placed Suwon Samsung.
“To prepare for the match with Beijing, we were able to rotate some players in our last domestic match against Incheon United so on Tuesday we hope to have a better performance,” added Choi.
“Hopefully our players can be more focused. We wanted to win in the first leg but a 1-1 scoreline was a big shame.
“There is still another 90 minutes left to play now, though, and that’s all we can focus on.”
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