Zhang Chengdong strikes teammate post-match, sparking major controversy in CSL

An unbelievable scene occurred in the Chinese Super League (CSL). Veteran defender Zhang Chengdong (36, Qingdao West Coast) struck a teammate's cheek after the final whistle.

Chinese 'NetEase' reported on the 27th (Korea time) that "Zhang Chengdong lost control of his emotions after the match and physically assaulted a teammate. He hit a teammate with his hand after the match against Changchun Yatai."

Qingdao West Coast lost 0-1 in the away match in Round 15 of the CSL held on the 25th at Changchun Sports Center Stadium. The decisive goal came from Norwegian forward Oh Hiro Omoijuanpo in the 32nd minute of the second half.

A shocking scene was captured after the match. While the referees and players from both teams gathered in the center of the field to greet each other, Zhang Chengdong, who was furious about the decisions, suddenly protested vehemently. His teammates tried to calm him down and pull him away. However, unable to contain his anger, Zhang Chengdong violently pushed away a teammate and struck the teammate's face with his right hand.

Zhang Chengdong, born in 1989, is a right-back. He entered the European stage in 2009 by joining Portugal's CD Mafra and was highly anticipated when he wore the jersey of Spain's Rayo Vallecano on loan in 2015.

However, reality was harsh. The then Rayo coach criticized the signing of Zhang Chengdong as an impulsive transaction pushed by the club to secure sponsorship. Furthermore, he openly declared that bringing in Zhang Chengdong would be the worst signing of his career and that he had no intention of using him.

Ultimately, Zhang Chengdong could only play four matches in the Rayo jersey before returning to China after one year. He then played for Hebei Huashang and Beijing Guoan and joined Qingdao as a free agent early this year.

Given that experienced veteran Zhang Chengdong displayed such misconduct, the fallout is significant within China. A creator from 'Tencent Sports' noted that "Zhang Chengdong, a former national team member, could not control his emotions. He extended a highly disrespectful finger toward the referee and even hit a teammate who tried to stop him."

The media also added that "Zhang Chengdong entered the match as a substitute in the 38th minute of the second half. He seemed to complain about the defeat or some of the decisions made by the referees. While shouting something, he pointed at the referee with his finger. If his teammates and opponents had not restrained him, he might have engaged in a physical fight with the referee."

Furthermore, a scene capturing a teammate bewildered after being hit by Zhang Chengdong has sparked major controversy. Chinese journalist Tang Sului criticized, "Zhang Chengdong acted without discernment, even hitting a teammate who was trying to protect him! It is an extremely vile act."

He added, "Zhang Chengdong is likely to face disciplinary fines from the Chinese Football Association as well as a suspension and fines from the club. Publicly physically assaulting teammates who are trying to stop a fight in the stadium raises the question of whether he has even a trace of professional ethics."

Finally, Tang Sului pointed out, "To be honest, how many times has Qingdao conceded goals directly due to Zhang Chengdong's mistakes this season? The vibrant team Qingdao has gathered many fans this year with an excellent reputation. Zhang Chengdong's behavior was extremely poor."

Fans also left comments like, "What on earth was Qingdao thinking when signing Zhang Chengdong?" "He shows his age and acts arrogantly. This kind of poison needs to be removed early," "He has lost both skill and character," "A ticking time bomb has exploded. Zhang Chengdong was rude even with Beijing Guoan," and "Trash like this should quickly leave the professional team."

[OSEN]