Clash Erupts During AFC Champions League Match Between Beijing Guoan adn Vietnam‘s Nam Định
Beijing, China – A recent AFC Champions League Elite qualifying match between China’s Beijing Guoan and Vietnam’s Nam Định descended into chaos, marked by on-field scuffles and accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct. video footage circulating online shows players from both teams involved in physical altercations, sparking outrage among online observers.
The match, played on September 17th, ended in a 2-2 draw, but the scoreline was overshadowed by escalating tensions. Netizens criticized Beijing Guoan for appearing to prioritize delaying the game over actively pursuing a win, especially after reaching a 2-2 tie against the Vietnamese team. Some online comments questioned whether the game was “playing football or fighting,” with one user stating,”It doesn’t matter whether the Chinese super League team will play football,what is vital is that they will fight.”
The Asian Football Confederation Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) is an annual intercontinental football club championship hosted by the Asian Football Confederation. This qualifying match was intended to determine advancement within the tournament.
footage shows instances of players feigning or exaggerating injuries, seemingly to run down the clock.One clip highlighted a Beijing Guoan player rolling on the field while covering his face, prompting the comment, “The first time I saw an injured player rolling into the field with his face covering his face.” Further fueling the controversy, video appears to show a nam Định player reacting aggressively to an injury sustained by a Beijing Guoan player, instantly attempting to re-engage in play after seemingly “curing” the injury.
This incident follows a recent 0-6 defeat against Shandong Taishan on August 31st, which resulted in a confrontation between Beijing Guoan players and their own fans at a hotel. Reports indicate heated exchanges and a near physical altercation between players and supporters, only prevented by hotel staff intervention.
