The second game of the Shenzhen vs. Zhejiang playoff series was a must-win for Zhejiang, but they were once again dominated on the court. Frustrated fans began chanting “referee bias” during controversial calls, a behavior strictly prohibited by the CBA.
The situation escalated when a lighter and other objects were thrown onto the court. The presence of such a prohibited item raised serious security concerns, highlighting a need for improved stadium screening.
Furthermore, a group of fans was seen directing abusive language and gestures at Shenzhen’s player He Xining, with the scene captured on camera. While Zhejiang fans are undoubtedly passionate and desperate for their team to force a Game 3, these actions crossed the line. Passion should be expressed through support, not through relentless abuse.
As a result, the CBA issued a stern penalty: Zhejiang Men’s Basketball was fined 110,000 yuan in league dividends and disqualified from award evaluations. Additionally, the club’s owner, Jin Zijun, was fined 50,000 yuan and suspended for one game after entering the scorer’s table area to argue, which was deemed interference with the official table’s work. The owner’s actions were also seen as excessive. The team will need to address these issues moving forward.