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It is not unusual for soccer matches to be edited for goals and highlights. However, what would it mean if the referee's decision in a match was also considered a highlight? Undoubtedly, this will be a "feast" beyond the competitive sports itself. In the 16th round of the Chinese Super League, such a scene was staged in a key match. Shanghai Harbor beat Wuhan Sanzhen 3-1. Despite the small number of goals scored, the match was full of drama due to the controversial decision made by the Chinese Super League's Golden Whistle, Ma Ning.
Throughout the game, Manning created at least five points of controversy that almost overshadowed the excitement of the game itself.
In the 28th minute of the first half, Zhang Linlian was suspected of committing a foul, but neither Manning nor VAR intervened to no avail.
In the 32nd minute, Wuhan Sanzhen's defender made contact with Shanghai Seaport's foreign aid Karon in the penalty area and Karon fell to the ground. Maning watched VAR for a few minutes before awarding a penalty kick, but Oscar's spot kick was parried away by Liu Dengzheng.
The first two penalties were questionable but did not change the direction of the game. However, in the 44th minute, Manning red-carded Ren Hang for a reason that is puzzling. Manning forgot that Renhang already had a yellow card, and after this foul, Renhang was sent off with a red card for accumulating two yellow cards.
Players from both sides then gathered and the scene got out of control. He Chao angrily rebuked Maning, and Wuhan Three Town's bench protested. With the referee's reminder, Maning red-carded Wei Shihao. Wei Shihao was agitated and pointed at Manning to vent. In just four minutes, Maning showed two yellow cards and two red cards, as if back to the era of the cardboard master.
In the second half, Manning once again red-carded Jiang Guangtai, a controversial red card that was interpreted by most fans as a balancing act, but did not quell the discontent of the fans. Wuhan Sanzhen was down by two goals, one person was sent off, and the whole team's mentality was frustrated. At this point, even if Shanghai Harbor was sent off, it could not change the result of the game.
These controversial penalties directly affect the excitement of the Chinese Super League and even damage the reputation of the league. When these controversial videos are transmitted overseas, foreign fans may let out a burst of ridicule.
After the game, Manning quickly became a hot topic. The Weibo comment section was once again occupied by fans who expressed their dissatisfaction. The content of the comment section was restricted, but the anger of the fans could not be contained. Fans from all over the country were outraged by Manning's behavior.
Dissatisfaction did not only come from the fans, but media members also expressed their dissatisfaction with Manning's penalty. Reporter Ma Dexing questioned, "What exactly was Manning doing? Is it necessary? Why did the FA arrange for him to enforce the law in the first place?" Li Xuan, director of Soccer Daily, was even more outspoken: "Ma Ning's level of on-site control is really bad."
In fact, fans who follow the CSL and related news comment sections have more or less heard about the "FA Championship Theory". Who wins the championship seems to depend on which team has gotten the most out of the referees lately. Many fans and members of the media are well aware of this. Drama like this seems to send a message to an imprisoned former FA chairman - don't offend too many people on the inside and the forces on the outside will be taken care of.
