With no team in World Cup, China fans rally around a red card-happy referee
Summary
China’s national soccer team did not qualify for the upcoming World Cup, so Chinese fans are supporting referee Ma Ning instead. Ma Ning is known for giving many red and yellow cards and will be officiating in his second World Cup.Key Facts
- China’s national soccer team failed to qualify for the World Cup again.
- Referee Ma Ning, 46 years old, has become popular among Chinese fans.
- Ma Ning is known for handing out many yellow and red cards, earning the nickname "card master."
- This will be Ma Ning’s second World Cup, after assisting as a fourth official in Qatar four years ago.
- Ma Ning has sponsorship deals with Chinese companies like Lenovo and Hisense.
- He joined a 10-day officials’ training camp in Miami before the World Cup.
- Ma Ning has been a FIFA-certified referee since 2011.
- He recently started a social media account where he has gained nearly 200,000 followers.
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