Chinese Soccer Fan Storms Pitch and Hugs Lionel Messi: The Untold Story

2023-06-17 04:12:54

(CNN) — A Chinese soccer fan is pinned، The man who stormed the pitch and hugged player Lionel Messi during a friendly match between Australia and Argentina in Beijing is “under administrative detention”, according to police in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The 18-year-old fan, identified by police as “D”, was also banned from entering sports venues as a spectator of similar games for 12 months.

Beijing police did not specify how long Di would remain in detention, but said the fan had apologized for the behavior and accepted his punishment.

Video clips that spread on Chinese social media show the young fan jumping from the stands, before running towards Messi to hug him, then he was chased by security men who took some time to catch him, before returning him to the stands, amid warm applause and a welcome from the fans.

For many spectators, the moment the fan entered the pitch, hugged the Argentinian star and was chased down by security personnel, was one of the most entertaining moments, in an event that has drawn widespread interest across China since Lionel Messi’s arrival in the country.

And on Chinese social media, many users, football fans or otherwise, celebrated the young fan’s race with the security men as a moment of liberation.

For some, such behavior has become a symbol of freedom and youthful dynamism, in a society still reeling from the trauma of 3 years of COVID-19 restrictions and feeling the pressure of a slowing economy.

In a series of clips posted online following the match, the fan, who claimed to be under 18, apologized to Messi for his “bad behaviour”.

The fan said, “Messi, I’m sorry…I’m really sorry to meet you in this way, I really wanted to sign you, but they were chasing me, so I didn’t ask for it.”

Regarding the security men in the stadium, he said: “I also hope to use my negative case to tell the security personnel that your security work is not efficient, and give me this opportunity.”

Chinese state media said that while the fan’s passion was understandable, it did not endorse his behaviour, suggesting it would disrupt matches and endanger fan safety.

It is noteworthy that the match, which ended with Argentina’s victory over Australia with two goals, was preceded by controversial events, including fraud on fans regarding ticket prices and the possibility of meeting the Argentine star and obtaining his shirt.

1686978194
#stormed #stadium #hugged #Lionel #Messi #Chinese #authorities #imposed #penalty #fan