Fan fights Chinese press claims

Dundee defender Fan Zhiyi has denied claims that he, along with his international team-mates, threw China’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica for money.

The Chinese press have accused the national team of match-throwing, following their 2-0 defeat in the Group C game in Gwangju on June 4.

But Zhiyi - who is currently on loan to Cosco Shanghai Zhongyuan - has furiously denied the claims and has listed the help of Zhongyuan to clear his name.

He said: ‘‘The false reports have brought much distress to my family.

‘‘It is very unethical to print unsubstantiated reports just to boost circulation.

‘‘Anyone who knows me knows that I would never accept money to throw a match.

‘‘I will never tarnish the country’s honour for any amount of money and the truth is I carried an injury into the Costa Rica match.

‘‘I will fight for my innocence and Zhongyuan are in the process of finding me a lawyer to help me clear the smoke.’’