Chinese public opinion is angry, accusing the home team of being oppressed by the referee.

The Chinese team disappointed when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Tajikistan in the opening match of the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers. It was a match in which coach Jankovic's team played poorly for most of the match.

Dư luận Trung Quốc tức giận, tố đội nhà bị trọng tài chèn ép - 1 — The referee denied China's goal when he determined Jiang Guangtai was in an offside position (Screenshot).

However, in the 81st minute, China was denied a goal after Zhu Chenjie jumped high to head the ball. After consulting VAR, the referee determined that Jiang Guangtai was in an offside position. Although the centre-back did not directly participate in the assist or score, there were opinions that he obstructed the Tajikistan defender.

The Chinese press was not satisfied with this decision. They thought the referee had oppressed the home team. On Sohu newspaper, expert Huang Jianxiang was upset: "There is no absolute technology. VAR is just a legal umbrella to cover up black whistles. You are really helpless when the referee makes such a decision."

Expert Ma Dexing also expressed a similar opinion: "The referee clearly oppressed the Chinese team. Why was Jiang Guangtai judged offside even though he did not participate in the situation? Obviously, it was the referee's wrong decision. The position of Chinese football is really threatened."

Dư luận Trung Quốc tức giận, tố đội nhà bị trọng tài chèn ép - 2 — Chinese players do not believe their goal was denied (Photo: Sohu).

On Sohu, Chinese fans were also extremely angry with the referee's decision. Here are some typical comments:

"The referee made a shady decision. He tried to suppress the Chinese team. Give up the Asian Cup!"

"Was that situation really offside? Many Chinese fans did not believe it was offside. The Saudi referee was pressuring the Chinese team."

After the first round, the Chinese team has 1 point like Tajikistan and 2 points behind the Qatar team. In the next round, coach Jankovic's team will face Lebanon.