Mao thrown lifeline as Shenhua in forgiving mood

Volatile Shanghai Shenhua winger Mao Jianqing got a slap on the wrist Monday after he returned to his club's training base following seven day's in police custody to face a disciplinary warning.

Mao, who has a history of on-pitch violence and off-pitch soap drama, was expelled from the national team's camp following his assault on a man in a restaurant last week and returned to an uncertain future at the Chinese Super League club.

But the club surprised Mao's critics by expressing its faith in the talented bad boy of Chinese soccer and his ability to get his life and career back on track.