Dalian midfielder Wang Xuanhong banned for 10 games for gross misconduct

BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Dalian Yingbo midfielder Wang Xuanhong has been suspended for 10 games following an incident where he physically assaulted an opposition player, leading to a mass brawl, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announced on Friday.

Wang was also fined 100,000 yuan (approximately 13,840 U.S. dollars).

The altercation occurred when Wang hit and pushed Guangzhou FC goalkeeper Huo Shenping, who had made provocative gestures towards the Dalian supporters after Guangzhou's 1-0 away win in a Chinese second-tier league match last weekend.

The conflict escalated when Huo was pushed to the ground, causing players from both teams to join in the fray.

Wang's misconduct "caused grave consequences," the CFA said in the statement.

In addition to Wang's penalties, his teammate Andrej Kotnik received a six-game ban and a 60,000 yuan fine for his involvement in the fracas.

Jose Embalo and Sui Weijie, two other Dalian players, along with Guangzhou goalkeeper Huo, were each banned for four games and fined 40,000 yuan.

The Dalian club was additionally fined 200,000 yuan for failing to maintain discipline among its players.