The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) issued a new restriction Wednesday, banning impolite or provocative acts like waving finger in its professional matches.

The new rule was introduced following a sell-out match between Beijing and Qingdao on Sunday, in which ex-NBA scoring champ Tracy McGrady was irritated by an opponent's waving finger and elbowed the latter to the chest, earning a technical foul and boos from the home crowd.

The incident triggered wide debate as most basketball fans disapproved the provocative gesture.

In a notice addressing to the clubs Wednesday, CBA said the players must respect the audience, the opponents and the referees.

"Any impolite or provocative language, motion or gesture (including but not limited to waving finger or fist, or pointing at one's face) are prohibited in matches," it said.

According to the notice, such acts will be warned and punished by the referees. And the player may be penalized in accordance with the league's disciplinary regulations, if his provocation causes disorder in the court.

McGrady, playing for Qingdao Doublestars, is the highest-profile recruit of CBA to date. His team lost to Beijing Ducks led by ex-NBA star Stephon Marbury in Sunday's match.

CBA games are increasingly popular in China, with nearly 30 former NBA players now playing in the league. A reported 700 million Chinese have tuned in to watch the games last season.