Ma Ning, a controversial referee in Chinese soccer, not only triggered banner greetings on the field, but also became synonymous with the Chinese Super League's "black whistle" for a time due to the "Portrait Gate" incident. Nevertheless, his performance in the Asian Cup won universal praise. The Iranian team in extra time by virtue of penalty kicks to beat Japan, Manning decisive penalty, Japanese coach Mori Baoichi also took the initiative to shake hands with him after the game.
So why is Manning controversial in China? He will be analyzed from two dimensions below:
Enforcement level: Is Manning a "stupid" or "mediocre" whistler?
The outstanding performance in the Asian Cup proved that Maning did not make any major mistakes and his enforcement ability was widely recognized by the international football world. In the international arena, with the exception of one World Cup enforcement, Ma Ning did not have any negative controversies, which can be regarded as the representative work of Chinese referees in the international arena. In terms of business level, Ma Ning's performance in international matches can at least get a passing grade, rather than the so-called "faint whistle" or "mediocre whistle".
Ethics: Is Manning suspected of "blackballing"?
It should be made clear that any referee may make mistakes, but this should not be defined as a "black whistle". The Army has said that it is difficult for ordinary people to recognize a "black whistle". In other words, mistakes are not the same as "black whistles", they may be a matter of standard or other interfering factors on the field. Obviously, no one would be so stupid as to let all the fans in the country see through their own "black whistle" behavior.
Therefore, it is not possible to conclude that Manning is a "black whistle" on the basis of the error alone, nor is it possible to completely rule out this possibility, but only leave it to time to give the answer.
The reasons for Manning's controversy in China may include:
1. Apparent reasons: unappealing, strict enforcement, peer pressure
Manning is known for his strict enforcement standards, known as the "Card Master", often with a serious face. Although this harsh image is not welcomed by everyone, this is not the key to the problem, but more because of the overall low level of domestic referees, it is difficult to convince the public, resulting in the players are accustomed to disputes regardless of the winners and losers. Manning's strict enforcement has inadvertently exacerbated this antagonism.
2. Root cause: generally low level of domestic referees and pressure on the HKFA
The overall level of domestic referees is low, and the level of Manning and Buyout Jiang and others is not outstanding, whistles are frequently wrong, and every round of the league is accompanied by controversy. In the face of this problem, the FA has not taken effective measures. Fans' accusations against Manning are actually dissatisfaction with the entire Chinese refereeing system and even the FA. It can be said that Manning in a way for the FA to bear too much blame.
Currently, Manning is recognized internationally, but is much maligned domestically. It is obvious that it is not the fans who should apologize to Manning, but the FA itself!
