China FA opens QPR brawl inquiry

The Chinese Football Association has launched an inquiry into the mass brawl that erupted between China's Olympic football team and QPR on Wednesday.

The seven players involved in the fight have arrived in China after being sent home but officials there have warned them they could face punishment.

"We will investigate the incident and strictly punish those responsible," said CFA spokesman Dong Hua.

"Under no circumstances do we have any tolerance for such behaviour."

Report: QPR v China ends in brawl

The English Football Association is also investigating the incident, although because it was not an official match and was played at QPR's training ground it could be difficult for the FA to take action.

They kicked us. If someone suddenly beats you, what is your reaction? China's Lu Zheng

QPR are also holding an internal inquiry and have promised to take a tough stance.

Referee Dermot Gallagher was forced to abandon the match 15 minutes before time after players from both sides fought on the field.

Chinese player Zheng Tao was left unconscious and was taken to hospital after suffering a broken jaw.

The brawl seemed to break out when Gao Lin tried to kick the ball while jumping into an opposing player and, since returning to China, he has apologised for his part in the bust-up.

"It is a pity, I must apologise to all, I am the main person responsible for this incident," Gao told the Beijing Youth Daily. "I shall bear all consequences."

However, team-mate Lu Zheng was more defiant and was quoted in the Chinese media as saying: "They kicked us. If someone suddenly beats you, what is your reaction? It's the instinct for protecting ourselves."