In a heartfelt tribute to a devoted supporter, Chinese Super League (CSL) team Beijing Guoan retired a seat at the Workers’ Stadium in memory of Yang Xue, a long-time fan who passed away at the age of 39 on Tuesday.
During their first home game of the season on Friday against reigning CSL champions Shanghai Port, over 53,000 spectators filled the stadium. Amid the sea of fans, seat 6 in row 7 of section 109 remained unoccupied. Adorned with a snowflake pattern, the seat stood as a silent homage to Yang Xue’s unwavering support for the team.
Yang Xue was known among the Beijing Guoan community for his passionate cheers and steadfast presence at home games. The decision to retire his seat reflects the profound impact he had on both the club and fellow fans. The snowflake symbol not only represents his name—”Xue” meaning “snow” in Chinese—but also symbolizes the unique and lasting imprint he left on the hearts of many.
Fans attending the match took a moment to honor Yang Xue, with many sharing memories and paying their respects. The solemn gesture by Beijing Guoan underscores the deep connection between the club and its supporters, emphasizing that football is not just a game but a shared journey that unites people.
The match against Shanghai Port was charged with emotion, and while the competition on the field was fierce, the memory of Yang Xue served as a reminder of the community and camaraderie that surrounds the sport.
Reference(s):
Beijing Guoan retire home seat in memory of deceased fan Yang Xue
cgtn.com
