BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Australian player for title contenders Beijing Guo'an has been banned for seven matches by the Chinese soccer association for insultive gesture.

Joel Griffiths, a former Australian New Castle player, will miss rest of the season after the Chinese soccer governing body Tuesday announced his seven-match ban plus a 50,000 yuan (about 7325 U.S. dollars) fine for giving the finger in a crucial Super League match between Beijing and leaders Henan.

Hondruan forward Saul Martinez lashed in the tying goal for Beijing in stoppage time when an excited Griffiths rushed to the pitch for celebration. Beijing eventually sealed a 2-2 victory at Henan.

The Chinese soccer governing body said a set of photos by a Henan newspaper photographer showed that then Griffiths held up his middle finger.

The association decided Griffiths made an insultive gesture and should be punished after their investigation including reviewing those photos.

Henan lead the 16-team standings with 42 points after 27 rounds while Beijing, Changchun and Shandong follow close at heel in a three-way tie on 41 but Beijing have one match in hand.

The Super League have three rounds to go.

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