- Fans Demand Answers After Zhejiang FC Plays Hours Following Boupendza’s Death.
- Shock and Anger Spread as Chinese Club Fails to Postpone Match After Tragedy.
- Football World Mourns Boupendza While Outrage Grows Over League’s Response.
Football fans in China are furious after Zhejiang FC played a match just hours after Aaron Boupendza’s death.
Many saw the decision as deeply insensitive, igniting outrage across social media platforms.
The 28-year-old Gabonese striker, a key player for the Chinese Super League club, died on Wednesday after falling from the 11th floor of a building in Hangzhou.
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Despite the tragedy, the club proceeded with their home game against Meizhou Hakka that same evening — a move that left many shocked and heartbroken.
Outrage spread rapidly:
“Shouldn’t this match have been postponed?” one fan wrote on Weibo.
“Why didn’t they postpone the match? The Chinese Super League is really very amateur,” another added on WeChat.
Though the match ended in a 2-2 draw, the stadium was steeped in grief, as fans and players honored their fallen teammate.
Heartfelt Tributes and Silent Tears
Supporters lit up the stands with their phone flashlights, held up Boupendza’s shirt, and chanted his name.
Foreign players did not appear in the lineup, and the crowd mourned in unity.
After the final whistle:
Players and coaching staff approached fans silently.
Also Read: Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza Dies After Falling from 11 storey-Building in China
Captain Cheng Jin, holding back tears, abruptly ended his post-match interview:
> “I’m sorry, it’s not that I don’t respect you. I don’t have anything I really want to say.”
Head coach Raul Caneda Perez refused to discuss the game, stating:
> “Today is not for talking about football. Football should not be discussed in this context.”
What Led to Aaron Boupendza’s Death?
According to police in Hangzhou:
They received an emergency call at 1:14 p.m that Boupendza had fallen from the 11th floor of a building.
After thorough investigation and interviews, foul play was ruled out.
Despite medical efforts, he could not be revived at the hospital.
Zhejiang FC’s Official Statement
The club only released a statement after the match:
> “We are fully cooperating with the relevant authorities to carry out the investigation. All the club’s staff send their deepest condolences to his family.”
However, fans argue this should have come sooner and that the match should have been played at all.
Bigger Questions for the Chinese Super League
This tragedy has sparked ongoing discussions:
1. Should CSL matches be postponed following player deaths?
2. What protocols exist for handling such tragic incidents?
3. Will the league change its crisis response moving forward?
Aaron Boupendza’s Memory Lives On
Despite the shock and sadness surrounding Aaron Boupendza’s death, fans and fellow players across the globe continue to share their love and tributes.
His legacy as a talented striker and beloved teammate will not be forgotten.
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