3-match ban for Haan

Arie Haan, the head coach of China Super League soccer club Chongqing Lifan and a former head coach of the national team, received a three-match ban plus a fine of 15,000 yuan ($2,200) for insulting a referee, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) said yesterday.

During a narrow victory over league leaders Beijing Guo'an on Monday, the outraged coach flashed 100-yuan notes at the referee after his opponents were given a controversial penalty kick at the 75th. The Dutchman vented his anger at the referee's actions and roared "You want money?" Chongqing went on to win the game 3-2.

It was another blow for the reputation of Chinese soccer two weeks after a referee was attacked by players in a men's tournament at the National Games, resulting in one player being banned for life.