Brawlers take a hit

The Asian Football Confederation dished out multiple bans of up to eight games yesterday over a mass brawl between China's Zhejiang and Thai club Buriram United in the Champions League.

A total of seven players or members of staff from the two teams were punished, as were the clubs themselves, following the fracas at the final whistle of the Group H match on November 29.

Punches and kicks were exchanged as the match at Zhejiang's Huzhou Olympic Sports Center descended into violence at the final whistle of the home side's 3-2 win.

At least two players ended up on the floor and one grabbed an opponent in a headlock, before security staff raced on to the pitch to restore order.

Among those punished following a meeting of the AFC's disciplinary and ethics committee were three Buriram players, including Ramil Sheydayev.

The Azerbaijan forward was suspended for eight AFC club matches, with Buriram also ordered to pay a fine of US $10,000 (HK$78,000).

Four Zhejiang players or staff were suspended over the brawl, including Brazilian forward Leonardo and China midfielder Yao Junsheng, who will both miss eight AFC club matches.

Zhejiang were also fined US$10,000.

Buriram round out their group-stage campaign at home to leaders Ventforet Kofu of Japan today while Zhejiang travel to Australian A-League side Melbourne City. Ventforet and Melbourne are level on eight points, while Buriram and Zhejiang have six each.