Fans of Chinese badminton star Lin Dan were shocked after the former world number one admitted he had an affair whilst his wife was pregnant.
Outrage on social media ensued when pictures of the sportsman with a “mystery woman” surfaced online.
The two-time Olympic champion confirmed the rumours and has since apologised. Xie Xingfang, Lin’s wife and fellow badminton star, had their first child on 5 November.
Social media users were quick to identify the “mystery woman” as actress and model Zhao Yaqi.
Social media user Cheng Hao Chen wrote, “Brother, do you know that you were the pride of 1.3 billion Chinese people? How about now?”
Another user, Duo Duo Wa Bai Cai, said: “A shameless mistake has sent you to hell from heaven.”
“No matter how outstanding your achievements are, you will fall short of being a father and a husband! Sorry, super Dan, this is unforgivable – you have neglected your responsibility as a man!”
Lin used Weibo to apologise in Chinese: “As a man, I do not make any excuses for myself, but my actions have hurt my family. I apologise to them here.”
Lin, AKA Super Dan, is ranked third in the world.
