Football supporters across China voiced their deep anger and sadness on Wednesday as Hangzhou-based club Zhejiang FC proceeded with a home Chinese Super League match just hours after the heartbreaking death of their Gabon international striker, Aaron Boupendza.
Police in Hangzhou confirmed the passing of the 28-year-old, who tragically died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in the city on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities responded swiftly to the incident at precisely 1:14 pm and, following thorough interviews and a review of available video footage, determined that there was no indication of foul play.
Boupendza had been immediately rushed to a hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, resuscitation attempts proved unsuccessful, police added in their statement.
Despite this devastating loss, Zhejiang FC went ahead with their scheduled match against Meizhou Hakka later that same day. This decision to play so soon after the tragedy sparked widespread grief and strong condemnation among fans, who took to various online platforms to express their outrage at the club’s insensitivity.
One user on the popular X-like platform Weibo questioned the club’s decision, asking, “Shouldn’t this match have been postponed out of respect?” Another critical comment on WeChat echoed this sentiment, remarking, “Why on earth didn’t they postpone the match? The Chinese Super League really shows its amateur side in moments like these.”
The fixture eventually concluded in a subdued 2-2 draw, played in an atmosphere heavy with grief. Notably, none of Zhejiang’s foreign players took to the field during the match. Fans present in the stadium showed their respect by chanting Boupendza’s name, displaying his club shirt, and lighting up the stadium with their phone torches. Following the final whistle, Zhejiang’s players and staff approached the grieving supporters to participate in a moment of collective mourning and remembrance.
Zhejiang FC’s captain, Cheng Jin, visibly overcome with emotion, found it incredibly difficult to address the media in the post-match press conference. “I’m so sorry, it’s not that I don’t respect you all. I just… I don’t have anything I really want to say right now,” Cheng managed to utter, his distress evident.
Zhejiang FC’s Spanish head coach, Raul Caneda Perez, also declined to discuss the specifics of the match during his press conference. Speaking through an interpreter, Perez simply stated, “There was nothing to say about the game tonight.” He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, “Today is not a day for talking about football. Football should absolutely not be the topic of discussion in this context.”
Following the match, the club released an official statement regarding Boupendza’s untimely death, affirming their commitment to being “fully cooperative with the relevant authorities to carry out the ongoing investigation.” The statement also included heartfelt condolences, saying, “All the staff at the club extend their deepest and most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
As the day drew to a close, the Chinese Football Association had yet to issue an official response to the widespread criticism and the club’s decision to proceed with the match.
The Gabonese Football Association, through a post on platform X, publicly confirmed Boupendza’s passing and paid tribute to the player, writing, “Aged just 28, Boupendza leaves us with the lasting memory of a truly great striker who represented his nation with pride.”
Gabon’s president-elect, Brice Oligui Nguema, also shared his profound sorrow on the same platform, stating, “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought so much honour and recognition to Gabonese football on the international stage.”
