Xi'an Punished for Rampaging FansThe Chinese Football Association Tuesday stripped northwestern city Xi'an of the right to host any soccer league match after fans rioted on late Saturday.City match organizers were fined 100,000 yuan (US$12,000) and the local team, Shaanxi Guoli, of Division Two, were asked to find new venue to play at. Because of a "refereeing problem" in an earlier 1-1 league draw between Guoli and Chengdu Wuniu, furious Xi'an fans tried to attack referee Li Yuhong. A victory for Guoli would have meant early promotion to Division One. Some fans clashed with local police who tried to stop them using water cannons and tear gas. Eight supporters were arrested during the riot, but were released soon afterwards. In an effort to combat disturbances on the soccer field, the General Affairs Office of the State Council issued a circular suggesting improvements to league management, promotion of fair play and a campaign to stamp out violence. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |