ITTF put Chen on the carpet

Table Tennis

The International Federation has called for action against the England No 2, Chen Xinhua, over a rumpus at the European Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manchester last month.

The ITTF has written to the English Association expressing displeasure at Chen's actions when he was given a red card by the umpire for coaching during the defeat of the England No 1, Matthew Syed, by the Hungarian Zoltan Batorfi.

Chen refused to move from the bench and then got involved in an argument with the umpire, during which he removed the official's glasses.

The ITTF administration director, Ian Marshall, said: "Any sport that allows players to abuse or demean its officials has to take action."