The 2020 K-League season started on Friday with a match between Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Suwon Samsung Bluewings played without spectators after a delay of more than two months caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The towering stands of the 42,477-capacity Jeonju World Cup Stadium, home turf of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, 200km from Seoul, was not filled with fans; instead giant yellow and white cards saying “#CU SOON STAY STRONG” were placed on empty seats, while coaches and substitutes wore face masks.

Broadcasters from 10 countries, mostly in Asia and Europe, have bought rights for the season and South Korea’s football association K-League live-streamed Friday’s match on Twitter and YouTube with English commentary.

Han Dong-min, a Bluewings fan who usually watches games in the stadium, was rooting for his team at a pub in Suwon, on the outskirts of Seoul.

“I was really happy to watch a soccer match even it was without fans,” said the 22-year-old Han after his team’s 0-1 defeat.

After a goalless first half, Jeonbuk striker Lee Dong-gook scored in the 83rd minute to clinch victory for the defending champions.

Lee celebrated the goal with sign language meaning respect, joining the “Thanks To You Challenge” in South Korea to express gratitude to medical workers fighting hard to tackle the virus.

All the players and coaching staff will have their temperatures checked before each game and anyone at 37.5 C (99.5 F) or more will be isolated and tested.

If anyone gets infected during the season, their team and those who played against them will have to take a two-week break. Instead of the traditional pre-game handshakes, players have been asked to bow their heads from a distance.

“I was disappointed as all soccer games around the world were suspended because of the coronavirus,” said Lee Sang-hyup, a 24-year-old Bluewings fan in Suwon. “But after watching today’s game, I feel like my heart is beating after a long time.”