Before the match, they demanded a referee change! The Chinese Super League newcomer issued an apology but still faced punishment: a public reprimand and a fine of 50,000 yuan.

On August 12, Beijing time, the Chinese Super League newcomer Liaoning Tieren officially released an apology letter, apologizing to the Chinese Football Association, the Chinese Football League, referees, and fans for their pre-match statement demanding a referee change ahead of the 22nd round.

Four days earlier, before the "Liaoning Derby" against Dalian Yingbo, Liaoning Tieren Club suddenly issued a statement. It stated that fans widely believed the referee for that match, Shan Dan'ao, had made multiple controversial decisions and strongly called for a change of referee. However, Shan Dan'ao had never officiated a Liaoning Tieren match in the Chinese Super League before.

After the statement sparked heated discussion, Liaoning Tieren chose to delete it. The Chinese Football League ultimately did not change the referee, and in that match, Liaoning Tieren lost 0-1 away to Dalian Yingbo.

Four days later, the Tieren club issued an apology letter. They expressed their most sincere and profound apologies to the Chinese Football Association, the Chinese Football League, all referees, fans, and the society. They also stated that in the future, they would learn from this mistake, sincerely repent, and thoroughly rectify, accepting supervision from the Chinese Football Association, the Chinese Football League, and the whole society with a more rigorous, professional, and self-disciplined attitude.

In the apology letter, they also proposed three main points: First, sincerely admit mistakes and fully face the root causes of the problem; Second, deeply reflect and recognize the threefold adverse effects; Third, take immediate action and establish a long-term strict mechanism.

However, despite the Tieren club's sincere attitude, the Chinese Football League issued a punishment immediately after their official apology. For making inappropriate remarks, they were given a public reprimand and a fine of 50,000 yuan.