Hockey enthusiasts are demanding the disqualification of the Chinese Olympic team following a brawl with Belgium.
During the Olympics, some drama is expected, but few anticipated the events that unfolded at the end of today’s Women’s Field Hockey semi-final (August 8).
Belgium and China ended up in a heated altercation, with players from both teams’ benches rushing onto the field to intervene.
Footage of the incident is circulating on social media, prompting some to call for China’s disqualification.
In the final moments of the match, tied at 1-1, Chinese player Fan Yunxia’s actions angered many.
Yunxia fired the ball at Delphine-Dapne Marien from close range, causing the Belgian player to fall to the ground in evident pain.
Marien’s teammates immediately approached Yunxia to confront her. Belgium’s Judith Vandermeirin got in Yunxia’s face and pushed her away.
This led to Vandermeirin receiving a yellow card and a 10-minute suspension, although she continued to argue her point.
Captured on video, Vandermeirin argued to officials: “I’m protecting my team-mate. You cannot do that.”
Eurosport commentator Charlie Brougham also criticized the action, stating: “Well, that’s a little unnecessary from Fan. She just hammered the ball as the hooter sounded and hit one of the Belgian players.”
“The whistle goes, and she just rifles it straight at the player.”
Despite the controversy, the match proceeded to penalties, where China emerged victorious.
On social media, many viewers expressed their displeasure with the outcome.
One user commented, “If it’s a yellow for a push fair enough. But how is it not a red for deliberately hitting another player after the final whistle? Straight as a roundabout.”
Another added, “Absolutely disgraceful from the Chinese hockey player and from the referee. Issuing a yellow card to the Belgian No.7 at all is mental, but issuing it first like this is shocking!”
A third said, “The Chinese player took a look before hitting it. That was seriously foul play. It’s a red card.”
“How is that not a red card battering the ball at someone is surely more serious than a little push,” another commented. “China had to be disqualified for this!”
As of now, China is scheduled to play the Netherlands in the Gold Medal Match on Friday evening (August 9).
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