sawmeinhalf
Years ago
China fines its players for 'ugly' brawl
The Chinese Basketball Association
fined 12 players and two coaches on the national team for an
"ugly" brawl in a game last week with Puerto Rico, but did not
suspend anyone, the China Daily reported on Friday.
Fines ranged from 2,000 to 20,000 yuan ($250-2,500) and all
players involved in the fight in Beijing last week -- called a
"night of shame" by state media -- were given stern warnings and
ordered to apologise, the newspaper said.
"We are here to officially apologise to the fans for what
happened during the game against Puerto Rico," Chinese basketball
official Kuang Lubin was quoted as saying in a statement.
The fighting erupted at Beijing Capital Gymnasium after two
Chinese players charged off the bench to fight Puerto Rican
players in the dying moments of a nationally-televised game that
China was leading comfortably.
The fight spurred 3,000 home fans to hurl insults and
missiles at the visiting team.
"The brawl has had negative effects for China as it gears up
for the 2008 Beijing Olympics," Kuang wrote.
In other sports, Chinese supporters have frequently
embarrassed authorities and their unruly behaviour has raised
questions about Beijing's readiness to host the 2008 Games.
The city has launched a campaign to educate the public on
sports etiquette, covering from when to applaud to cheering for
all athletes, not only Chinese.
