Stressing to assist the AFC in handling matters in accordance with regulations, can the Zhejiang team escape being severely fined? Chinese Football Association reports on post-AFC Champions League clashes
The fifth round of the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League group stage ended recently. China’s Zhejiang team defeated Thailand’s Buriram United 3-2 at the Huzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
The Chinese Football Association reported on the conflicts in the AFC Champions League group stage.
After the game, a large-scale conflict broke out between the two teams. A video of a "collective fight" between players and staff of the two teams taken by fans in the stands went viral on the Internet, arousing widespread concern in society and becoming "ironclad evidence" of the conflict between the two teams.
On November 30, the Chinese Football Association issued a report on the conflict between the two teams after the game. The original text is as follows:
Stadium conflicts seriously violate the spirit of sports and affect the normal order of the stadium and the fans' viewing experience. The Chinese Football Association strongly opposes all forms of violence on the field and will assist the AFC in handling this conflict in accordance with regulations.
The Chinese Football Association will further strengthen the management of clubs and participating entities at all levels, draw inferences from one example and consolidate responsibilities. Each club must strictly assume its responsibilities and strictly manage its jurisdiction. When participating in various international and domestic competitions, it must strengthen the education and guidance of all players, coaches, and staff, effectively manage the bench, and strictly abide by the competition regulations and relevant regulations. According to the regulations, respect the referee's decisions, respect the audience, respect the opponents, consciously maintain good order on the field, and show the style of Chinese football.
On November 29, Zhejiang team player Frank celebrated a goal during the game.
On the same day, in the Group H match of the 2023-2024 Asian Football Champions League group stage held in Huzhou, Zhejiang, the Chinese Super League Zhejiang team defeated Thailand's Buriram United 3-2 at home.
An insider analyzed that the Chinese Football Association’s notice disclosed three messages to the outside world: First, the Chinese Football Association made clear its position and clearly opposed any violence on the field. “No matter what the reason, fighting on the green field always violates the spirit of fair play.” ; Second, the Chinese Football Association emphasized that it would assist the AFC in handling this conflict in accordance with regulations, indicating that the AFC's relevant evidence collection and investigation work has already begun; third, the Zhejiang team, Thailand's Buriram United team and relevant players who participated in the conflict , staff, etc., may be severely fined.
Thailand's Buriram United released a video of the conflict on social media after the game and said, "Is this the AFC Champions League? Is it playing football or fighting?"
According to relevant domestic media reports: The Thai team's foreign aid Sheydayev, who triggered a large-scale conflict between the Zhejiang team and Buriram United, had a "criminal record." In 2018, he triggered an all-out armed conflict between the Soviet Wings and Rostov.
Zhu Yi, the Chinese administrator of the German transfer market website, believes: "If I were the owner or general manager of the Zhejiang team, I would be very nervous. Especially this is the home team's division." Sports blogger Ran Xiongfei analyzed, "Zhejiang this time After all, it is a large group fight involving dozens of people. Even if we are reasonable, we are likely to be the one who will be severely punished in the end. Zhejiang fans must be mentally prepared.”
