The CBA playoffs are heating up, and the league has been busy handing out penalties even before the first two rounds are complete. The latest fines target the Zhejiang and Shanxi teams, with Zhejiang slapped with a total of 160,000 yuan and Shanxi facing a 50,000 yuan penalty. Both teams, however, have been left in a difficult position due to the misconduct of their own fans.
As playoff intensity rises, conflicts between players and referees have become more frequent. During Zhejiang’s home game against Shenzhen, fans were heard shouting “black whistle” and throwing debris, prompting the CBA to take a zero-tolerance approach. Zhejiang’s club was fined 110,000 yuan, while the team’s responsible official received a one-game suspension and a 50,000 yuan fine.
Similarly, during the Shanxi versus Guangsha match, fans repeatedly insulted referees with abusive language. The CBA responded with a 50,000 yuan fine for Shanxi. This is not the first punishment for Shanxi this season; the team has now been fined four times in the playoffs, following prior penalties for player Jiao Hailong and an assistant coach.
In recent seasons, the CBA has maintained a strict policy on unsportsmanlike conduct from players, coaches, and fans, especially during the playoffs. Clubs are repeatedly reminded to manage crowd behavior, but incidents have persisted. The league’s latest fines are notably heavier than in the past, where warnings and smaller fines of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan were common. Now, fines start at 50,000 yuan, surprising many observers. With Shanxi already receiving four penalties this postseason, more may follow if fan behavior does not improve.