Chinese football legend Fan Zhiyi says Buriram United player deserves harsh punishment for ‘crazy’ behaviour
- Brawl erupts during match between Zhejiang FC and Buriram United, with visiting captain Theerathon Bunmathan accused of starting it
- Video allegedly shows Buriram striker Ramil Sheydayev choking Zhejiang player
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Former China captain Fan Zhiyi wants Ramil Sheydayev punished for his “murderous” behaviour during a mass brawl between Buriram United and Zhejiang FC after their AFC Champions League clash.
The Buriram striker was caught trying to choke two opponents during the violence, which involved players and coaching staff from both sides, at the Huzhou Olympic Sports Centre on Tuesday night.
Although it was unclear what sparked the brawl, which started moments after Zhejiang snatched a bad-tempered 3-2 victory over the Thai visitors, sealing their second win in five games in Group H, local media reported that events escalated after opposing players swore at each other.
The Asian Football Confederation said on Thursday that it was investigating the incident and “would not comment on ongoing disciplinary matters”, while the Chinese Football Association (CFA) added it “strongly opposed all forms of violence on the field”.
While a number of players are likely to be punished over the incident, Fan singled out Sheydayev, and condemned his “crazy” behaviour.
“I could not believe such an act happened on the pitch,” the 54-year-old said. “The act of the visitors was murderous, Sheydayev was crazy to choke two Zhejiang players from behind like that.”
Fan, who began captaining the national side in 1996, went on to suggest the Buriram players had come close to causing serious injuries, and said it was “a must” that officials supported the Chinese side.
“What will be the consequences if there are no teammates to rescue him,” he said. “The choker must be heavily punished. I don’t know what kind of punishment the AFC will impose, but it’s definitely unfair if Zhejiang are to be severely punished.”
Chinese media alleged that visiting captain Theerathon Bunmathan sparked the skirmish by swearing at his opponents. Zhejiang midfielder Cheng Jin, who was substituted with six minutes to go, is said to have responded to the verbal barb, with events escalating quickly thereafter.
Sheydayev is said to have run across the pitch before choking Zhejiang players from behind, triggering the massive brawl.
The striker reportedly continued taunting Zhejiang players afterwards on social media, challenging them to finish what they started and said “just send me the location!”
According to the AFC, a brawl can lead to a four-game ban and fine of at least US$10,000.
Separately, with home fans throwing items onto the pitch during the melee, the Chinese Super League outfit could face additional fines ranging from US$10,000 to US$40,000.
The CFA said it would strengthen the supervision of all clubs.
“All Chinese football teams should strictly obey regulations in the international and domestic competitions, and respect referees, spectators as well as opponents,” it added.
The final round of group matches will be played on December 12, with Buriram United hosting leaders Ventforet Kofu of Japan.
Zhejiang, who are last on goal difference, take on Melbourne City in Australia. With only two points separating the four teams, any one of the quartet could reach the round of 16, which will be played in February.
