Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

China U20s' Germany friendlies postponed amid concern over protests

The German and Chinese FAs have confirmed that a series of matches between China's under-20s and regional fourth division clubs has been postponed until next year amid fear of protests.

The China U20s had been set to play 16 teams from the regional south-west division as part of preparations for the 2020 Olympics.

But they left the pitch midway through the first half of the opening game when a Tibet flag was displayed by protesters referring to the Tibetan push for independence.

And ahead of the scheduled fixture against FSV Frankfurt this weekend, the German and Chinese FA opted to suspend the series.

"To the regret of all parties involved, the project did not receive the expected broad approval," the German FA (DFB) said in a statement on its official website.

"In fact, the project was used by a handful of viewers to send messages that were considered hurtful by the Chinese team, officials, the CFA's support staff and Chinese supporters."

The DFB said both associations had received "substantial tip-offs of a further escalation" and thus "decided to postpone the planned friendlies."

DFB vice-president Ronny Zimmermann said: "We sincerely regret that we have to postpone the series, especially when you think about what those games would have meant for the sporting development of China's U20s and also the development of the south-west division.

"But regardless, we think the postponement is necessary, because we now have created time to discuss the new situation in all calmness and honesty and find a solution in the best interest of sport."

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