The Chinese Football Association became targets of the countries fans yet again after reports emerged saying tattoos were banned among national team players.
During the opening China Cupmatch against tourists Wales, Chinese players had clearly covered their tattoos using bandages during the 6-0 humiliation in Nanning, including strikers Gao Lin and Wei Shihao and midfielder He Chao.
A report by Titan Sports soccer reporter Xiao Liangzhi said he learned from reliable sources inside the Football Association that national team players had been banned from displaying their tattoos in international games as the authorities stepped up efforts to introduce a healthy culture education programme. And this will extend soon to the Chinese Super League.
Hong Kong’s Bai He (centre) challenges for a header against China’s tattooed Zhang Linpeng (left). Photo: AP
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There were also reports saying another first-team regular, Zhang Linpeng of Guangzhou Evergrande, was dropped, not because of injury as it was claimed, but because he sports too many tattoos that he could not cover like the trio.
The defender is also known for his heavily tattooed body.
