Outrage swept through Chinese football fans after Zhejiang FC chose to play a Chinese Super League match just hours after the death of their Gabonese striker, Aaron Boupendza.
The 28-year-old died on Wednesday afternoon after falling from the 11th floor of a building in Hangzhou. Local police have ruled out foul play, stating there is no evidence of a criminal case following interviews and video analysis.
Despite the tragedy, Zhejiang FC went ahead with their scheduled home match against Meizhou Hakka later that day, drawing fierce criticism from fans on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat. Many questioned why the game wasn’t postponed, calling the decision disrespectful and unprofessional.
The 2-2 draw was played under a heavy cloud of grief. None of the club’s other foreign players featured in the match. Supporters honored Boupendza by chanting his name, holding up his jersey, and illuminating the stands with phone lights. After the final whistle, Zhejiang’s players and staff paid tribute by approaching the stands in silence.
Club captain Cheng Jin, visibly emotional, cut short his post-match interview, saying, “I’m sorry. I don’t really have anything to say.” Head coach Raul Caneda Perez echoed the sentiment, stating, “Today is not for talking about football.”
Zhejiang FC issued a statement following the match, expressing condolences and confirming their cooperation with authorities. The Chinese Football Association also mourned Boupendza’s passing, pledging to prioritize the well-being of players moving forward.
Tributes poured in from across the globe, including from Gabon’s national football association and the country’s president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema, who praised Boupendza as a talented striker who brought pride to Gabonese football.
