During the 2025-2026 CBA playoff quarterfinals, the Shanxi Fenjiu men’s basketball team hosted Zhejiang Guangsha in a crucial Game 3. The match was fiercely contested, with the score remaining tight until the final moments. However, the intensity spilled into the stands as home fans repeatedly chanted “black whistle” and hurled insults at the referees, causing a significant disruption. Although no objects were thrown, the organized and high-density protest violated CBA league regulations on fan conduct.
The league had issued warnings earlier in the regular season, explicitly prohibiting any form of “black whistle” chants, personal attacks on referees, or behavior disrupting game order. Yet, similar issues emerged in both Shanxi and Zhejiang home games during this playoff round. Zhejiang fans’ actions were even more extreme, with dangerous acts like tossing lighters, while Shanxi fans maintained a sustained, coordinated verbal pressure that the league deemed a substantial interference with the fairness of the competition.
Following the game, the CBA quickly imposed a fine of 50,000 yuan on Shanxi. This penalty drew attention as it marked the team’s eighth fine of the season, bringing the total to 270,000 yuan — the highest of any team in the league. This statistic reflects the intense loyalty and emotional expressions of Shanxi fans, who instinctively chant collectively whenever officiating decisions appear questionable. The high-pressure playoff atmosphere further fueled this behavior, turning rational viewing into emotional venting.
Notably, the CBA has yet to disclose specific officiating details or misjudgment rulings from this game, fueling public skepticism about the fairness of the penalties. Some of the fans’ anger stems from the lack of transparency in officiating decisions. The league’s heavy fines aim to curb the risk of collective disorder. As the playoffs enter a critical stage with the final four spots imminent, the CBA must maintain a zero-tolerance policy to uphold the credibility of the competition. If similar behavior recurs, penalties may escalate.
Shanxi’s repeated fines not only hold the club accountable for management responsibilities but also serve as a warning for the entire professional basketball culture: true support should not come at the cost of breaking rules. Fan passion needs guidance, not indulgence. Only by respecting referees and adhering to order can the true spirit of competitive sports be honored.