BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) -- With relegation looming, Nantong Zhiyun cannot tolerate further hurt, declared veteran midfielder Wang Song, who was protesting an overruled goal that potentially cost the Chinese Super League (CSL) team a victory.
Nantong was leading 2-0 after their striker Gui Hong scored against Dalian Pro in the 64th minute of a crucial match between two teams fighting to avoid relegation. However, the referee disallowed the goal for offside, and Dalian managed to equalize in the 79th minute, drawing the match 1-1.
The contentious decision to invalidate Gui's goal incited outrage from the Nantong side. Club president Fan Bing even threatened to withdraw his team from the CSL.
Wang Song argued the referee made a grave error in disallowing the goal.
"We should have won three points instead of one at home. It's a mistake, which I hope will not be repeated," he said.
"Nantong Zhiyun cannot afford any further hurt. Don't let our efforts come to nothing," he added.
CSL administrators have reportedly acknowledged the referee's mistake and extended an apology to the Nantong side.
Currently, Nantong Zhiyun is placed 14th in the 16-team CSL table with 12 points, staying just one point ahead of the bottom side, Dalian Pro. ■
