‘Barbarians’: Hong Kong fans slam China rugby sevens players for ugly challenge after final whistle
- Ma Chong barges Ben Rimene to the turf in last act of Asian Sevens Series China leg final as Hong Kong beat hosts 14-7
- Tempers boil over with fans upset by the unsportsmanlike behaviour of Chinese players
Netizens slammed Chinese rugby players for bad sportsmanship after watching footage of the mainland team’s loss to Hong Kong in the Asian Rugby Seven Series China leg final in Huizhou over the weekend.
Hong Kong were leading 14-7 in the final at the Huizhou Olympic Stadium near Shenzhen when visiting player Ben Rimene kicked the ball out of play to signal the end of the match. As soon as the referee blew for full time, Rimene was hit hard by Chinese player Ma Chong.
A minor scuffle ensued between players of both teams before the referee and other match officials intervened.
China were surprise finalists after causing an upset in the semi-finals by beating favourites Japan.
Ma’s charge also caught the online match commentator by surprise. He said his behaviour may have been out of “frustration or irritation” because the home side were unable to prevent defeat.
“We don’t need to see that after this fantastic final,” said the commentator.
