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BSP-10
FBL-ASIA-C1-CHN-JPN
Busted flush: Tianjin’s AFC hopes hit by Macau switch
SHANGHAI, Sept 4, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Tianjin Quanjian’s hopes of overturning
a 2-0 deficit in the Asian Champions League quarter-finals were dealt a blow
after the second leg home to Kashima Antlers was moved to Macau.
The crunch showdown will still take place on September 18, but instead of
enjoying home advantage, Tianjin’s players will travel 2,000 kilometres
(1,200 miles) south to Macau, the former Portuguese colony better known for
its casinos than its football.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) did not say why the match is being
moved, but Chinese media said it could be because of a World Economic Forum
meeting taking place in Tianjin on September 18-20.
Chinese authorities typically ratchet up security for such events.
The Chinese Super League (CSL) side’s chances were already remote after
Tianjin were soundly beaten in Japan last week in the first leg.
But it is a three-hour flight from Tianjin, in northern China, to Macau in
the south, meaning the number of home supporters is likely to be limited.
“It is a great pity that this key match cannot be held in Tianjin, but as
long as it is in China, we believe it is home,” Tianjin said on Weibo,
China’s version of Twitter.
“The club and team will adjust as soon as possible to fully prepare for the
game in Macau, China.”
It is not the first time that Chinese football has played second fiddle to
non-sporting events.
Matches in Beijing are routinely moved so they do not clash with major
political meetings in the Chinese capital, while CSL side Jiangsu Suning last
year postponed a game because of a pop concert.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1035 hrs