CBA Finals Marred by Regional Bias: Zhejiang Lions Condemn Discriminatory Remarks and Uphold Sportsmanship
On the evening of May 10, 2023, the second game of the Chinese Men's Basketball Professional League (CBA) finals between the Zhejiang Lions and the Liaoning Leopards took an unfortunate turn. After the game, which saw the Zhejiang Lions win, conflicts arose between fans of both teams. Some Zhejiang fans expressed dissatisfaction towards Liaoning fans, leading to a few extreme individuals using derogatory language with regional bias against Liaoning players and fans. This incident not only hurt the feelings of the players and fans involved but also severely damaged the image of the CBA league, the CBA fans, and the beautiful city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang.
25 March 2024
The Zhejiang Lions club, in a public letter, expressed their zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory remarks. They strongly condemned such shameful actions that smear the CBA league and the beautiful city of Hangzhou. The club urged all home fans to watch the game in a civilized manner and to rationally accept the outcome of the game.
They also advised fans to refrain from verbal abuse or language attacks towards coaches, players, referees, or opposing fans, and to avoid any form of violence or display of uncivilized banners or slogans. This incident is reminiscent of a similar one that occurred during last year's finals when Zhejiang fans hurled insults at Northeastern fans, leading to conflicts. The Zhejiang Lions club, in response, released a statement expressing their zero-tolerance policy towards such remarks and strongly condemning them. A Northeastern fan, under the handle 'Zhao Tanchang', expressed their disappointment and pain seeing their fellow Northeasterners being insulted and ridiculed on Chinese soil.
They reminded everyone that the sacrifices made by their predecessors during the Anti-Japanese War should never be used as a tool to insult or belittle fellow Chinese citizens. Another netizen, 'Mrlight Collecter', pointed out the irony of using the painful history of the Anti-Japanese War as a weapon against fellow Chinese citizens. They questioned how anyone could casually bring up such a painful part of history to attack their own people.
The Zhejiang Lions club and the CBA league have urged all fans to maintain order and respect each other. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and mutual respect, regardless of the outcome of a game. (800 words)