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Shanghai soccer players detained for beating man
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-02 15:23

SHANGHAI -- Two players of a Shanghai-based Chinese soccer club have been detained by police for beating a man in a restaurant after missing out on the Chinese Super League (CSL) title at the weekend.


Mao Jianqing is detained by the police.[Xinhua] 

Mao Jianqing and Liu Yintao were detained for seven and five days respectively for their part in the attack, Shanghai police announced on Tuesday.  They were also fined 500 yuan (about $74) each.

Former basketball player Xu Yong, who was also involved in the attack, was fined 500 yuan (about $74 ) but given immunity from detention due to health problems.

Shanghai would have won the league title on goal difference had they won the last round tie against Zhejiang on Sunday, but a 2-2 draw handed Shandong the championship.

Mao and Liu went with friends to a restaurant in early Monday morning.  A man surnamed Xu, who was then dining at the restaurant, greeted a woman accompanying the players and was beaten up.