On the night of August 24th, Cai Huikang, the international back-rower of the Chinese Super League (CSL) powerhouse Shanghai Seaports, apologized to the public at the pre-match press conference for his "light bulb" remark. A deeply guilty Cai Huikang admitted that his words had caused inconvenience to the nation's fans at a time when their hearts were heavy. ! [Cai Huikang apologizes](https://www.ballti.com/UploadFiles/163img/202308/2023415182908250353282017.jpg) This week, in a crucial Asian Champions League play-off match, Chinese Super League supremo Shanghai Harbour faced mid-table Thai Premier League side Pathum United at home, only to come away with a 2-3 defeat, a loss that was undoubtedly a humiliating one. In response, some of Harbour's hardcore fans chose to express their displeasure by turning their backs on the pitch. In response, Choi Hui-kang took to social media to mock these "harbor diehards" as "checking light bulbs" in a playful tone. ! [Disgruntled fans](https://www.ballti.com/UploadFiles/163img/202308/2023446578808250353282017.jpg) Chua Huikang was extremely offended by the team's and manager Javier's skepticism. He sarcastically argued that despite Javier leading the team to a 12-point lead in the Chinese Super League, he was still being questioned. He also mocked Javier's fans for "not knowing anything about football". Choi also viewed the exit from the Asian Champions League as a failure, even claiming that the earth was still spinning at the time of the exit and suggesting that the team mimic checking a light bulb after winning the league in order to counter the ridicule. However, Choi's comments provoked even more intense anger from fans. Under the pressure of public opinion, he had to publicly apologize with a smile in a press conference: "The coach, like the players, was deeply saddened by the loss of the game. At that time I was emotional and a little angry. I would like to apologize to the fans across the country for my inappropriate comments that added to the confusion on this sad day." Cai Huikang has been firmly established as the main back-rower under Coach Javier this season and has appeared in 23 matches. In a crucial AFC Champions League match against Barcelona United, Cai Huikang was replaced by the coach at halftime after a lackluster performance on his debut.

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