Former Chelsea star Oscar has definitely been keeping busy in the Chinese Super League. When he’s not breaking linesmen’s ankles or missing heartbreaking penalty kicks, he’s starting all-out brawls.
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During a match between Shanghai SIPG and Guangzhou R&F, Oscar was at the center of controversy, as the game devolved into pushing, shoving, and yelling. It’s unclear what caused the Guangzhou R&F players to get so upset at the Brazilian, although it’s certainly possible that they didn’t appreciate having the ball rocketed into them twice in a row. Nonetheless, they took matters into their own hands, running up on the Shanghai midfielder and shoving him to the ground. Oscar put up little fight as he flopped down and laid on the floor.
An insane shoving match ensued between the players, with members of both teams’ staff and bench joining in on the fun. When the dust settled, Li Tixiang was sent off for the host team, while Fu Huan also saw a red card for his part in the melee. After the chaos subsided and a lengthy delay, the match was able to continue and finished in a 1-1 draw.
Oscar got the assist on Shanghai’s lone goal, setting up fellow Brazilian Hulk for the equalizer. The 26-year-old Brazilian denied allegations that he intentionally kicked the ball at the other team. “Disrespect the opponent? It is not true. I am a very dedicated player and respect sportsmanship.”
Oscar’s manager Andre Villas-Boas echoed his sentiments and said that the Brazil international was acting in the best interests of his team. “Oscar is not a dirty player,” he said. “I believe he was hoping to show some passion and fighting spirit. The match was very intense, and he wanted to help the team. But of course I believe this kind of conflict should be avoided.”
The 1-1 draw leaves Shanghai four points behind leaders Guangzhou Evergrande in Chinese Super League standings, but it’s clear that the true winners here were the fans who got to enjoy seeing a bunch of grown men make fools of themselves with some less-than-assertive shoving.