Ghana’s Acheampong Racist Abuse: Club Fined $70,000

Chengdu Rongcheng FC has been fined US$70,000 for the racial abuse directed at Ghanaian forward Frank Acheampong.

The Chinese Professional Football League issued the fine after the 32-year-old Henan FC player was targeted with “abusive remarks” and “discriminatory behaviour” from Chengdu Rongcheng supporters during a league match.

According to reports, two men were arrested shortly after the incident and placed in administrative detention, which can last up to 20 days. The abuse gained widespread attention after videos circulated online.

“The misconduct, captured on video and widely circulated on social media platforms, included ‘monkey-calls’ mocking the skin colour of visiting Henan FC’s Ghanaian player Frank Acheampong and repeated middle-finger gestures,” The Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, reported.

As part of the punishment, the Disciplinary Committee also ordered the closure of part of Chengdu Rongcheng’s stadium stands for one match.

Acheampong has been one of Henan FC’s standout players this season. He has played 30 matches, scored 14 goals and provided three assists in the Chinese Super League. His strong performances have helped Henan FC move to 10th place in the league standings.

The league says the sanctions are meant to discourage similar behaviour and promote respect within Chinese football.