Beijing Guoan have agreed to foot the bill for Hangzhou Greentown supporters’ tickets, after a partially built concert stage severely hampered away fans’ view of the action during last Wednesday’s clash between the clubs at Gongti.
Negotiations prior to the match to try and accommodate Hangzhou’s small band of travelling supporters somewhere else in the stadium were unsuccessful, with security concerns prevailing over the away fans’ viewing experience.
Hangzhou fans were warned the week before the game that due to a Jay Chou concert at the Worker’s Stadium in Beijing, some of the stage would obscure the pitch; however, none of Hangzhou’s 50 or so travelling fans expected quite the view they were greeted with when they arrived in the away section.
The concert stage obscured most of the penalty box and goalmouth in front of the away section, as well as both corner spots and the flanks of the penalty area. Fans, for example, had little knowledge of Guerron’s opening goal, only understanding their team had conceded once home fans began celebrating. Indeed, in the 2nd half of the match, Hangzhou had several good opportunities to score, all of which went unseen by the visiting fans.
Hangzhou’s supporters expressed the outrage at the view on social media, with one fan saying he didn’t care about a 50RMB refund, when the overall trip had cost him close to 2,000 RMB (235 Euro) due to flights, accommodation and meals.
Zhejiang Green Souls Supporter’s club posted a message and picture to Weibo saying “Goalmouth gone where? Please respect football, and respect away fans!” Other fans felt the team were unable to see and hear the support they were giving the away side, contributing to Hangzhou’s poor performance.
On the pitch Hangzhou were heavily beaten for the second match in succession, again conceding 4 goals as they went down 4-0 to Beijing Guoan
by Peter Iveson
Category: Beijing Guoan, China League One, Hangzhou Greentown, Top Stories