China

Chinese sports chief blasts at unruly goalkeeper

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-12 09:22

GUANGZHOU - Chinese sports chief Liu Peng on Thursday urged the Chinese athletes to learn a lesson from the "Wang Dalei incident" and to "behave" during the Asian Games that opens on Friday.

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Wang, the first-choice goalkeeper, blasted Chinese fans as "morons" and "a bunch of dogs" after he was criticized of his role in China's 3-0 loss to arch rival Japan in the Asian Games soccer opener.

In a pep-up talk to over 100 Chinese athletes, coaches and officials, the Chinese Olympic Committee president determined Wang's actions "ill-natured", which damaged not only his own reputation but also the image of Chinese soccer, caused a "negative effect on society" and "hurt the feelings of the Chinese soccer fans and violated the regulations of the Chinese delegation."

"It is understandable to lose a soccer game," said Liu. "It is unforgivable to have disgraceful acts such as swearing at soccer fans.

"The Chinese delegation never tolerate such actions."

Liu called for "moral education" to the Chinese athletes.

"We should put more efforts in education about moral conduct, raise the moral standard of the Chinese athletes, make the Chinese athletes stronger and more civilized," he said.