China-South Korea Football Match: China Withdraws, Fans Cause Chaos, Shooting Themselves in the Foot

On February 19, 2025, a crucial group-stage match of the AFC Champions Elite League (ACLE) was set to take place in Ulsan, South Korea. China’s Shandong Taishan team was scheduled to face South Korea’s Ulsan HD team. A draw would have been enough for Taishan to advance to the Round of 16. However, just two hours before kickoff, Shandong Taishan suddenly announced their withdrawal, citing “severe health issues among the players.”