Foshan student football player sparks Guizhou protests after regionalist insults

A 17-year-old goalkeeper from Foshan Chaoying Experimental Middle School sparked widespread outrage after making derogatory remarks about Guizhou province following a youth football tournament victory. During a live stream after winning the U17 ‘Ban Chao Cup’ in Rongjiang, Guizhou, the player referred to the region as a “mountain corner” and expressed dissatisfaction with local food. Some teammates also reportedly stepped on the championship trophy.

The insults led to a protest in Foshan, where nearly one hundred people from Guizhou gathered in front of the school with banners demanding a sincere apology. Local authorities in the Nanhai District of Foshan responded to the incident by issuing a formal notice. The district education bureau announced that the team's coach has been dismissed from his position, and the involved student has been ordered to undergo self-reflection and is suspended from representing the school in competitions.

The student eventually issued a public apology at the school gates, after which the protesters dispersed.