Eastern coach ‘slammed in the face’ during controversial AFC Champions League clash with Guangzhou Evergrande
Executive director Peter Leung confirms Hong Kong Premier League side will submit report to Asian Football Confederation following 6-0 defeat at Mong Kok Stadium on Tuesday
Eastern executive director Peter Leung Shou-chi claims one of their coaches was “slammed in the face by people from Evergrande” during Tuesday’s controversial AFC Champions League group stage encounter with Chinese Super League visitors Guangzhou at Mong Kok Stadium.
Two-time AFC Champions League winners Guangzhou eased to a 6-0 win in the group G tie, but off the field tempers flared as visiting fans unfurled a banner saying “annihilate British dogs, extinguish Hong Kong independence poison” in the closing stages.
Leung, who has confirmed Eastern will submit a report to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), has now revealed details of pushing and shoving involving players and coaching staff from both sides in the tunnel at half-time when Guangzhou were leading 2-0.
Reports in China have suggested Eastern’s Brazilian Diego Eli and compatriot Paulinho from Guangzhou, who scored twice, were two of the players involved.
“We are very disappointed to see things like this happen as it brings bad reputation to the game,” said Leung.
