The truth behind Dorado's heavy fines?
In the announcement issued by the CFA, the punishment for Dorado is clearly stated based on Article 54 and Article 48 of the Disciplinary Code of the Chinese Football Association. This means that Dorado's punishment is mainly based on Article 54, with reference to the relevant provisions of Article 48.
Rule 54 focuses on additional penalties for "misconduct towards match officials". It states that unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., name-calling, insulting language or gestures, etc.) is punishable by a minimum suspension of five games or a ban from the stadium and a fine of at least $50,000 per game. Violent behavior (such as elbows, punches, kicks, etc.) will result in a minimum suspension of six months or a ban from the stadium and a fine of at least 100,000 yuan. This clause actually sets the minimum standard for Dorado's additional punishment.
In addition, Article 48 of the Disciplinary Code of the Chinese Football Association provides for heavier penalties for disciplinary infractions. Dorado's act of charging the referee was in line with the following three articles: the disciplinary infraction occurred during a stoppage of play or in a goalless state, caused bodily injury or damage to the health of the object of aggression, and retaliation against the complainant, witnesses, law enforcement officials, and so on.
After Dorado was red carded by referee Manning, Manning insisted on blowing the entire game. However, it was reported that Dorado's behavior had caused injury to Manning, who finished the game with an injury. Manning's injuries centered on his shoulder, neck and lower back, and he received physical therapy after the game. Due to his injury, Manning did not serve as an enforcement referee in the next Chinese Super League matches, but as a video assistant referee.
Henan may terminate Dorado's contract
Henan Songshan Longmen Club realized the seriousness of the problem after the match and issued a rectification announcement. The announcement stated that it would accept the penalty decision of the CFA in good faith and deal with the players penalized with red cards posthumously, including fines, suspension from training, suspension from the game, and termination of contracts.
Dorado has been with Henan Jianye since the 2019 season, returning to the Chinese Super League after more than a year on the sidelines due to a serious injury. According to public information, his work contract with Henan Songshan Longmen FC will expire at the end of 2023. After the expiration of this suspension, he has only four months left on his contract with Henan.
Currently, Henan Songshan Longmen Club is actively seeking solutions to deal with the situation. The team has already lost one foreign striker, Toure, this season, and Karanga is also recuperating from injury. If Dorado is suspended for a long period of time, the team will face the dilemma of having no one available in the forward line.
From the current situation, Henan has a higher possibility of terminating Dorado's contract, but with the 2 transfer windows about to close, it's almost impossible to bring in a high level foreign striker in a short period of time.
