One step forward and two steps back as Chinese Super League makes less than impressive start

The Chinese Super League failed to put its best foot forward on Friday’s as the season opening draw between Guizhou Zhicheng and Liaoning Whowin was played out in front of an empty stadium, with officials also seeing their highly-commendable under 23 policy pulled apart after just 20 minutes.

The decision to play the first game of the 2017 season between newly-promoted Guizhou and visitors Liaoning instead of a tie involving Carlos Tevez’s Shanghai Shenhua or Oscar’s Shanghai SIPG had already raised eyebrows before kick off.

And they rose even higher as before the match started at Guiyang Olympic Sports Centre, it was confirmed the tie would be played behind closed door as a punishment for Guizhou following trouble involving fans during their meeting with Tianjin Quanjian in League One last season.

Liaoning coach Ma Lin then, after seeing Zambian frontman James Chamanga net the first goal of the new season from the penalty spot after just 14 minutes, opted to withdraw 21 year-old Wang Qiao before the clock had reached the 20 minute mark.

Wang was in the side up so Liaoning could comply with the Chinese Football Associations rules that state each team must have one under 23 player in their starting line-up.