A heated discussion has started among Chinese bloggers to defend the friction between Chinese and Japanese soccer teams at the East Asian championship. Does kicking a ball have to be related to the Sino-Japan relations? From AFP:
Japan have filed a formal protest against hosts China for “dangerous” play after a number of players were hurt in heavy challenges during their East Asian championship clash, a Japanese team spokesman said Saturday…
Japan’s Michihiro Yasuda was sent sprawling by a flying kick from China’s goalkeeper Zong Lei, while defender Li Weifeng grabbed winger Keita Suzuki by the throat in the match on Wednesday…
The EAFF executive committee was expected to fine China as its rules stipulate that any team that receives four or more yellow cards in a match faces a 10,000 dollar fine, according to a Japanese official.
Related article: Angry Chinese Soccer Fans.