At this week’s Chinese Football Association (CFA) media briefing, Li Lipeng, Deputy Director of the CFA Professional League Council, addressed the public regarding the recent tension between Shanghai Port and Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng. According to BD Cricket sources, both clubs met face-to-face on May 9 under the supervision of the Executive Committee and the Chinese Super League (CSL) company, ultimately reaching a mutual understanding.
The incident, which stirred public debate, has been described as a minor episode in the context of the professional league. Regarding the public’s biggest concern — whether Hulk physically assaulted someone — Li clarified: “There was indeed a brief argument during halftime, but based on the current information we have, there is no evidence that Hulk committed any disciplinary violation.” He emphasized that intense moments like this are common during competitive matches and that emotions spilling into halftime are not unusual. “It’s not as serious as many imagined,” he added.
When asked whether this meant the two clubs intended to resolve the matter privately, Li responded, “Essentially, both sides have reached a consensus on this issue.” As for whether the CFA would make a public statement or take formal action, Li noted that it would be left to the clubs involved to decide if further action is necessary. “If no steps are taken, we see no need for additional judgment or disciplinary measures,” he concluded.
However, the situation became more complex when Guizhou’s head coach Li Bing posted “May 12, heading to Beijing” on social media. When contacted by reporters, Li confirmed that his trip was to attend a CFA hearing related to the incident. Reports indicate that Guizhou’s delegation includes Li Bing, assistant coach Li Sheng, staff members Feng Feng and Bruno, and one or two players who witnessed the event.
Interestingly, while none of the players reportedly saw Hulk throwing a punch, they did see Yu Ming lying on the ground. In the heat of the moment, Li Bing and Li Sheng felt the urge to retaliate but were restrained — Li Bing by Shanghai player Lin Chuangyi and Li Sheng by foreign star Elkeson. All witnesses submitted written reports to the CFA detailing the event and signed their names, further underlining the seriousness with which the matter was being addressed internally.
It’s not just Li Bing traveling to Beijing — the entire Guizhou coaching team involved in the altercation will be present. This effort echoes the tone of the film I Am Not Madame Bovary, a recent release in Chinese cinemas. Though some dismissed it as underwhelming, others praised its bold narrative and societal critique. The film’s message? That in China, there are people who fight for justice, but often find themselves with nowhere to turn when the system turns against them.
Li Bing, once a national hero who wore the China jersey and famously scored a bicycle kick against Japan, now finds himself in a different kind of battle. Nicknamed “Brother Shan,” he is known for his fierce spirit — but this time, he may be in trouble. While Fan Bingbing’s film character was merely ignored, Li Bing could find himself accused of spreading misinformation if the CFA issues a formal statement contradicting his claims.
As BD Cricket observes, this saga is less about a single incident and more about how conflicts are resolved — or suppressed — in Chinese football.