Henan FC's Ghanaian player Frank Acheampong runs with the ball against Chengdu Rongcheng on October 31, 2025, in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province. Photo: IC

Two Chengdu Rongcheng fans were arrested for misconduct during the team's Chinese Super League (CSL) match against Henan FC, the local police announced on Saturday night.

"A very small number of spectators ignored laws, regulations and stadium management rules, and engaged in the display of insulting items, made insulting gestures, shouted insults and engaged in other such behaviors," the local police said in a statement released on Saturday night. "These actions seriously disrupted the match order and caused a negative impact on society." 

The misconduct, captured on video and widely circulated on social media platforms, included "monkey-calls" mocking the skin color of visiting Henan FC's Ghanaian player Frank Acheampong and repeated middle-finger gestures. 

The police have identified two offenders, a 41-year-old man surnamed Shen and a 37-year-old man surnamed Huang.

"The circumstances were serious and the social impact was severe. Their actions violated Article 24 of the Public Security Administration Punishments Law and thus constituted an act of disturbing the order of a large-scale activity," said the police, noting that they have "lawfully decided to place Shen and Huang in administrative detention."

Both men are banned from entering sports stadiums to watch similar matches for a period of 12 months, the police said. 

The statement also emphasized that civilized spectating is both a legal obligation and a social responsibility, and reiterated that any behavior challenging public order or legal boundaries will be met with "zero tolerance."

The match ended with Henan securing a 2-1 away victory over Chengdu, dealing a major blow to Rongcheng's league title aspirations. 

Additionally, the Chinese Professional Football League, which governs the CSL, is likely to impose further sanctions. 

According to rules adopted by the Chinese Football Association (CFA), confirmed racist behavior by spectators can trigger significant disciplinary measures: Clubs may face fines starting at 500,000 yuan ($70.200) and possible seat closures or matches behind closed doors.

For Rongcheng, once a title contender in the league, this incident marks a reputational risk and raises questions about fan education and the broader culture in the Chinese top flight.