Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Zheng Zhi has been fined 100,000 yuan (USD14,716) for not leading his teammates to a handshake with the referee following their defeat by Tianjin Quanjian in the Chinese Super League.
The China national team captain “failed to meet the high standard required by the club management to perform a leading role”, a statement from the club said, as quoted by South Morning China Post.
Guangzhou Evergrande’s defeat by Fabio Cannavaro-coached Tianjin Quanjian was their second defeat of the season, and the first time the team conceded four goals in a league match since 2011.
In addition to the fine, Zheng was criticized by the club for his behavior.
“The club always requires our players and coaches to pay full respect to our opponents as well as the referees,” the statement said.