Chinese Super League Clubs Call for Respectful Fan Conduct After Incident

A Chinese Super League match between Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Chengdu Rongcheng last week saw an incident that has led to widespread condemnation. A Tianjin fan directed abusive language towards Chengdu player Wei Shihao, sparking outrage across the league and beyond.

The incident prompted strong reactions, including statements from the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL). The CFL denounced the fan's behavior as a severe violation of football ethics and a disruption to the league's order. The fan, identified as a man surnamed Jiang, was subsequently placed under administrative detention and banned from attending future Tianjin matches.

In response to the incident, several clubs have issued petitions advocating for a healthy and respectful football culture. Shanghai Shenhua, the current league leaders, joined other clubs in issuing open letters. These letters emphasized the importance of unity and passion in football, stating that stadiums should not be places for violence or hatred.

Qingdao West Coast also released a statement urging fans to uphold the city's image and embody the spirit of Qingdao football. The statement highlighted the role of fans as the team's "12th man" and emphasized that their behavior reflects the city's character and civic qualities. Civilized conduct was presented as a mark of respect towards the team and a tribute to the city and hometown.