Two Guangzhou FC players have received six-match bans for their misconduct during a Chinese second-tier league game.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Zhang Zhixiong and Liu Langzhou were each fined 60,000 yuan for verbally abusing the referee and damaging stadium property during the match between Nanjing City FC and Guangzhou FC on Sunday.
In the 86th minute, the referee disallowed a Guangzhou goal for offside, prompting protests from the Guangzhou bench.
"Zhang Zhixiong cursed the referee and was consequently shown a red card, leading to his expulsion," the CFA said in its statement. On his way to the dressing room, Zhang kicked and damaged a wall in the players' corridor.
Liu Langzhou was also sent off after damaging property in the bench area while cursing the referee, according to the statement.
Guangzhou FC lost 2-1 to Nanjing City in the season finale, finishing third on the table and missing out on promotion to the top tier.