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Nicolas Atkin

Chinese media and fans turned on Wei Shihao for a “shameful” and “evil” tackle in the national team’s 1-0 defeat by Uzbekistan on Monday night.
The 23-year-old injured Otabek Shukurov, who will reportedly be out for around two months after Wei launched himself off the ground into the winger’s leg with his studs raised.
“It was not deliberate. It was just a technical decision to slow the rhythm of the game,” Wei said in a post-match interview.
“I don’t know if he is injured. Tough physical challenges in football are common so injury is inevitable.”

In the post-match interview, Wei Shihao, the 23-year-old Guangzhou Evergrande claimed 'It was not deliberate. It was just a technical decision to slow the rhythm of the game. I don't know if he is injured. Tough physical challenge in football is common so injury is inevitable. ' pic.twitter.com/JuAaQbpKRO
— Titan Sports Plus (@titan_plus) March 25, 2019

Wei was given just a yellow card after arguing with the referee, but could reportedly face a more severe punishment from his Chinese Super League club, Guangzhou Evergrande, whom he signed for last month.
Shukurov was reportedly taken to hospital but then returned to Uzbekistan’s team hotel, where Wei went to see him with a wheelchair and fruit basket.

“After the game, I learned the other player’s injury is more serious. I really feel sorry,” Wei said who was later suspended for a month by his club. “This is a foul. I didn’t expect to kick the other person into the hospital. I sincerely apologise. Footballers’ legs are very important. No one wants to get hurt, this is our job.”
But Wei’s act of contrition and words of apology rang hallow with many Chinese fans, who criticised him for not even checking to see if Shukurov was fine during the game after the challenge.
“I am a hardcore supporter of Evergrande, but I support Evergrande to punish Wei Shihao,” read one comment on Tencent.

“Your skill is not as good as your opponent’s, but don’t shame your five-star emblem [on the shirt],” wrote another fan on Chinese social media.
Another user said: “You’re seriously damaging professional ethics. He should be removed.”
Hong Kong’s Chinese language newspaper Oriental Daily News called the tackle “shameful” on what was another miserable night for new China boss Fabio Cannavarao.

The Italian has lost his first two games in charge at the China Cup, with some fans even calling for the team to disband after the 1-0 loss to Thailand last week.
“A humiliating defeat to Thailand at the China Cup has put pressure on the Chinese players, but such action on the pitch is disrespectful to the opponent and unbearable to the fans,” wrote Chinese tabloid the Global Times.
“Controlling one’s temper is essential, but is also indispensable to footballers as sportsmanship requires athletes to be fair, ethical and respectful. As a professional footballer who has experienced top-level football, Wei has no excuse.”


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Chinese Football Association (CFA)

Chinese fans and media turn on ‘shameful’ Wei Shihao for ‘evil’ tackle on Uzbekistan player

Wei Shihao tackles Obatek Shukurov – Chinese fans and media are up in arms about the ‘shameful’ foul. Photos: Weibo

Wei Shihao visits Otabek Shukurov at the Uzbekistan team hotel

Wei Shihao apologises to Shukurov

Wei Shihao waits with a wheelchair and a fruit basket

China 0-1 Thailand: fans vent fury after China Cup defeat by visitors in Fabio Cannavaro’s first game in charge

Fabio Cannavaro is immediately under fire as new China boss. Photo: Xinhua

China 0-1 Uzbekistan: from bad to worse for Fabio Cannavaro as shot-shy hosts finish last in China Cup

China finished bottom of the China Cup after a second straight defeat. Photo: Twitter

Sport

China

China midfielder brings fruit basket and wheelchair to injured Otabek Shukurov at Uzbekistan’s team hotel
But apology not enough for angry supporters, who want him punished by his club Guangzhou Evergrande


China midfielder brings a fruit basket and a wheelchair to injured Otabek Shukurov at Uzbekistan’s team hotel – but supporters want him punished.


Chinese Super League