After hitting a referee on Sunday during a match in the second tier of Chinese football, the coach has apologized for acting “irrationally,” according to a statement released by his club, Liaoning Shenyang.
In footage that were shared on social media after the China League One match, coach Xin Duan could be seen arguing with the referee Chen Hao after a penalty was granted against his side during the first half of an away loss to Nanjing City by a score of 4-0.
As a result of Xin’s objections on the sidelines, the referee gave him a red card, which prompted him to punch the official. After passing out later, Xin is said to have been transported to the hospital before making his way back to the team hotel and offering an apology to the referee, as was reported in the Chinese media.
On Sunday, Liaoning Shenyang released a statement on their official Weibo account that said, “During the first half of the match… the leader of our club, disagreed with the referee’s decision and acted irrationally, which violated the disciplinary guidelines of the CFA League.” The statement was in response to an incident that occurred during the first half of the play.
The administration of our club has talked with Xin Duan after the game, and he, together with the management of the first-team squad, has grasped the seriousness of the error…
“Xin Duan and the management of the first team recognized the seriousness of the mistake, and they found the match supervisor and the referee on duty at the first time to sincerely apologize for the irrational behavior,” it was written.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) did not reply promptly to a request for comment that was sent their way.
In the rankings for China’s second division, Nanjing City is currently in fourth position, while Liaoning Shenyang is in thirteenth place.