Retired Beijing soccer star detained over hotel brawl and testing positive for meth

Former Beijing soccer striker Gao Feng was detained in Shanghai for brawling with a taxi driver – then ran afoul of police again while in custody after he was found to be on drugs.

He was detained along with actor Nie Yuan and former CCTV presenter Qiu Qiming, who were also involved in the brawl inside the lobby of a Shanghai hotel where all three were staying.

The fight escalated after Qiu called up Gao, Nie and another person to help him beat up the driver.

Outnumbered by the group of men, the driver sustained multiple injuries on his face and shoulder, including bone fractures to his eye socket.

During the police investigation, Gao – considered one of the most gifted Chinese soccer players – tested positive for drugs. He later confessed that he had taken crystal meth.

Police said Qiu had been released on bail, while Gao and Nie remained in custody. It was unclear what happened to the fourth person involved in the scuffle. An investigation is still under way. 

All three of the celebrities recently appeared on a reality TV show that is the Chinese adaptation of Dancing With the Stars.

Gao played for Beijing Guoan F.C. as a striker between 1990 and 1997, where he became famous for his speed and scoring. He went on to play several other clubs before retiring in 2003.