- South Korean media also critical of Jiang Zhipeng challenge as hosts ‘brace themselves’ to face Li Tie’s side on Sunday
- Defender, who only got a yellow card, refused to apologise and said he ‘got the ball’
A reckless challenge by China's Jiang Zhipeng on Japanese player Daiki Hashioka at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship has sparked a media backlash in Japan and hosts South Korea.
Left back Jiang leapt in the air and launched himself towards the head of his opponent. The China defender protested his innocence but was lucky to only receive a caution from the referee, while Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu questioned the fourth official.
Jiang remained unapologetic after the game, telling media that he did nothing wrong.
"Actually, I think that, as for me, I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I didn't mean to hurt the player," he said.
Best view yet of Jiang Zhipeng's challenge in China vs Japan at the EAFF Finals in South Korea pic.twitter.com/Zb8Bl6k9xn
" Jonathan White (@jmawhite) December 12, 2019
"But I think in his position, he can't get to this ball. Moreover, you can also see through replays, that I touched the ball first.
"Then his head hits my foot, I do not hit him directly."
Jiang Zhipeng's explanation in the post-match interview regarding the foul: I was not intending to injure anyone. It's me who touch the ball first and his head collided with my shoes afterwards. I don't think it is a stamp towards a rival player so a red card is impossible. pic.twitter.com/1vcZhSPSe7
" Titan Sports Plus (@titan_plus) December 10, 2019
Unsurprisingly Japanese media outlets were not convinced. There was outrage at the challenge by the Hebei China Fortune defender. They were critical of the referee not sending Jiang off and described the challenge as dangerous.
The topic was the subject of much of the post game coverage in Chinese media and online portal Sina Sports, where one article joked that "Jiang had forgiven his opponent".
Many commenters on the site, which ran several stories on the challenge and Jiang's subsequent explanation, said that the Chinese player should have apologised and deserved a red card.
Youthful Japan beat Li Tie's China in EAFF opener
However, Jiang was praised by some social media users on Sina Weibo as an "anti-Japanese hero".
Korean media outlets also expressed their concern at China's playing style against Japan, when Jiang was merely the most egregious offender.
These reports were relayed in Chinese media, who reminded the South Koreans they would themselves experience the China side's robust approach soon enough. The hosts play China on Sunday night.
EAFF: 'Avoidable' goals see Hong Kong lose to South Korea
The Yonhap news agency reported that South Korea, who are down striker Kim Seung-dae after he broke a rib in a collision with Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai during Wednesday's 2-1 win, are "bracing themselves for a physical contest against China".
"The Chinese players were pretty tough, and I expect a difficult match," South Korea midfielder Kim Bo-kyung said after watching their opening game.
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