Shanghai Shenhua lost 23-9 away to Chengdu Rongcheng in the ninth round of the Chinese Super League on May 5. The on-duty referee Ai Kun determined that Yan Xinli had committed a handball foul in the penalty area after the intervention of VAR technology.
The verdict caused dissatisfaction among Shenhua members, including Shenhua's goalkeeper Ma Zhen. The selection of local referees has encountered practical difficulties, and the probability of mistakes is increasing as the league becomes increasingly competitive.