Chinese Football Is A Reality TV Show

Oh yes, we’re back in China – and it ain’t for the football. Another day, another scandal.

The latest nugget comes to us from Chongqing and their Dutch coach, Arie Haan, who is quite lucky to have a job this morning, frankly. It’s not an altogether rare occurrence when a coach disagrees with a penalty against his side. It is, however, a rare occurrence when that coach reacts by taking a fistful of cash out of his pocket and shoving it in the fourth referee’s mug. That’s not exactly ’standard procedure’.

At least that’s what the reports tell you. Here’s the picture of Mr. Haan offering up his hard earned to the referee.

Looks as though he’s going about it a bit too slyly, doesn’t it? That’s merely the football equivalent of a first timer’s dope deal – you know, within view of the camera.

(And notice the battle going on within the fourth referee’s mind – “Damn that’s some good looking money…but I can’t. Or can I?”.)

Regardless of intention, Arie’s in trouble:

Chongqing’s Dutch coach Arie Haan has been banned from the sidelines for three Chinese Super League (CSL) matches after complaining about a penalty decision by offering the fourth official a wad of cash last weekend.

“Do you want money?” local media reports quoted Haan as asking the official after league leaders Beijing Guoan were awarded a penalty in Sunday’s 3-2 win for bottom club Chongqing.

Pictures in local media showed Haan gesturing towards the official with handful of 100 yuan ($14.64) notes.

This is just the latest confirmation that China, not La Liga, is currently the greatest league in the world. We all love the beautiful game, but we invariably love train wrecks even more – and China is a train wreck. A train wreck which keeps repeating itself over and over and over again. It’s the sporting equivalent of [Insert your favorite reality TV show here] – it’s so bad it’s good.

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Category: World Football