On the evening of May 12, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) issued two separate disciplinary notices, penalizing foreign players from Shanghai Port and Shanghai Shenhua for violent conduct during Chinese Super League (CSL) matches. Both players received a three-match suspension and a 30,000 yuan fine.
In the 10th round of the CSL on May 6, Shanghai Port drew 1-1 with Shenzhen Peng City. During stoppage time (90+6), Port’s foreign player Anpemu struck Shenzhen defender Xuan Zhijian on the back of the head with his hand. After reviewing VAR, the referee showed a straight red card and sent Anpemu off.
In the 11th round on May 9, Shenhua drew 2-2 with Tongliang Long. In the 90+4 minute, Shenhua’s Zhang Zhixiong pulled Shenhua foreign player Manafa, and the referee initially gave both a yellow card. However, VAR intervention determined that Manafa retaliated by striking Zhang Zhixiong, leading to a direct red card.
According to Article 18 of the CFA Disciplinary Code, both foreign players were found guilty of violent conduct and received identical penalties: three-match bans and 30,000 yuan fines. The suspensions are a significant blow to both clubs, especially Shenhua, which now has only one foreign player available for upcoming league matches.
