Chinese captain suspended for Women's Hockey semifinal

(BEIJING, August 19) -- China's key player and captain Ma Yibo has been suspended for one match and will miss the Women's Hockey semifinal against Germany at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium on Wednesday, August 20.

An official communication from technical delegate Janet Ellis said Chinese players Gao Lihua and goalkeeper Zhang Yimeng were guilty of Level 2 offences in the match against Australia on Monday, August 18. The offences attracted two-match suspensions under the Code of Conduct.

Following an official enquiry and submissions by the Chinese team, it was decided Ma would be suspended for one match since, as captain, she was responsible for controlling the behavior of her players, but failed to do so.

Zhang was charged with "inappropriate behavior including disputing, protesting and/or reacting in a provocative manner toward any decision made by an umpire," while the release added that Gao had physical contact with an umpire (Japan's Soma Chieko) after a penalty corner was awarded against China.

The incidents occurred when Australia, needing a victory to advance to the semifinals, were tied 2-2 and awarded a penalty corner four minutes from the end of the match.

First Gao and then Ma were shown yellow cards, reducing China to nine players. The match finished in a 2-2 draw.