Capello frustrated, fists fly in China

SIPG warn fans over Oscar protest

SHANGHAI, June 27, (AFP): New manager Fabio Capello told players to cool it after scuffles marred Jiangsu Suning’s 0-0 draw with Beijing Guoan, in just the latest outbreak of violence in the Chinese Super League.

Capello, who picked up his first league point with struggling Jiangsu, watched as players came to blows at the end of Monday’s game — days after heavy punishments were handed out for a similar incident. Shanghai SIPG’s Brazilian international Oscar was hit with an eight-game ban last week for sparking a mass brawl, and the Chinese Football Association may consider more punishments following the latest disorder.

Turkey’s Burak Yilmaz was the culprit this time and the Beijing Guoan forward was sent off for violent conduct after lashing out during a melee at the end of the home draw, which featured seven yellow cards and several flashpoints.

Players and staff from both sides piled in as the game ended in acrimony, and Capello said he hoped both teams could learn to obey the rules.

“This match was very hard. Both teams were aggressive and had chances to win,” Capello told domestic media after just his second league game in charge of ambitious Jiangsu, who have splashed out on high-priced imports such as Brazilian ball-winner Ramires and playmaker Alex Teixeira.

“The dispute after the match wasn’t good and I hope the players of both teams can obey the rules of fair competition,” added Capello, whose long coaching career has taken in the England and Russia national jobs, and Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Jiangsu goalkeeper Gu Chao had an outstanding game as Capello recorded his first point with Jiangsu, who remain second from bottom in the 16-team league despite their lavish spending.

Shanghai SIPG told fans to “be free of arrogance and rashness” after angry supporters of the Chinese Super League club lashed out at an eight-game ban slapped on star player Oscar. The Brazilian international was hit with the ban last week for triggering an all-out brawl in a CSL clash at Guangzhou R&F, while three others were also handed lesser suspensions.

Oscar has made no public comment on his lengthy ban, but he was pictured on social media before his suspension wearing a white T-shirt with the words “Nothing To Do, Nothing To Say”.

During last weekend’s 4-1 home thumping of Henan Jianye, the first game of Oscar’s ban, fellow Brazilian Hulk wore a T-shirt with the same phrase and fans displayed a banner saying the same

Capello

thing.

But on Tuesday the Shanghai club, currently second in the CSL under manager Andre Villas-Boas, published an open letter on social media urging fans to move on.