Chinese soccer fans are turning their attention to Ma Ning, a referee known for his uncompromising officiating style, as their country’s team failed to qualify for the World Cup. Ma, nicknamed the ‘Card Master,’ has gained a large following on social media, with many fans expressing their support for him.

Ma Ning’s Rise to Fame

Ma’s career as a referee has not been without controversy, with some fans criticizing his calls in domestic matches. However, his reputation as a strict and fair referee has earned him the respect of many in the soccer community. In 2015, he issued nine yellow cards and three red cards in a single match, earning him his ‘Card Master’ moniker.

Ma has also secured sponsorships from major Chinese brands, including Lenovo and Hisense, for his appearance at the World Cup. His social media following has grown significantly, with over 210,000 followers on the Chinese social media platform RedNote.

Chinese Fans’ Support

Despite China’s absence from the World Cup, fans are rallying behind Ma Ning, with many expressing their pride in his representation of their country. ‘Other countries watch their own teams play matches, we watch our own referee hand out cards,’ one fan wrote on social media. Another fan joked, ‘His luggage is probably all filled with yellow and red cards.’

Ma’s appearance at the World Cup is seen as a source of national pride, with many fans looking forward to watching him officiate matches. ‘I only know famous players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Mbappé,’ said Debbie Wang, a fan who doesn’t normally follow soccer. ‘I am extremely curious about how many cards Ma Ning will issue.’

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.