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EAFF: Japanese media sees red over China player’s X-rated tackle in Busan match
- South Korean media also critical of Jiang Zhipeng challenge as hosts ‘brace themselves’ to face Li Tie’s side on Sunday
- Defender, who only got a yellow card, refused to apologise and said he ‘got the ball’
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A reckless challenge by China’s Jiang Zhipeng on Japanese player Daiki Hashioka at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship has sparked a media backlash in Japan and hosts South Korea.
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Left back Jiang leapt in the air and launched himself towards the head of his opponent. The China defender protested his innocence but was lucky to only receive a caution from the referee, while Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu questioned the fourth official.
Jiang remained unapologetic after the game, telling media that he did nothing wrong.
“Actually, I think that, as for me, I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I didn't mean to hurt the player,” he said.
“But I think in his position, he can't get to this ball. Moreover, you can also see through replays, that I touched the ball first.
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“Then his head hits my foot, I do not hit him directly.”
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