The third phase of the LPL group stage is nearing its end. After losing to AL and ending their eight-game winning streak, BLG faced WBG in a hard-fought three-match series, ultimately winning 2:1. Compared to the first round of the cycle, BLG's performance seems noticeably unstable, suggesting that their honeymoon period is coming to an end. Currently sitting at an 8-1 record, they are in first place, but there is a high probability that they will be overtaken by TCB in the future.

In another match on the same day, a highly anticipated battle took place between IG and AL. Before the match started, many believed it would go the full three games, as IG had been performing well recently and AL had "returned" to form. The outcome was surprising; AL defeated IG in just two games. IG, facing a revitalized AL, showed no resistance, with their top, mid, jungle, and support completely overwhelmed.

Currently, IG has reverted to a state where their top lane is breached, players are not coordinating, and the shot-caller seems confused. Given this level of performance against TCB, it seems IG is likely to face another tough match. However, despite the loss, some IG fans are still quite happy because on the day of the match, a significant event occurred: the well-known black fan of TheShy, the secondary streamer Xuan Shen, was "caught" and disqualified from commentary by the officials.

The incident originated from the match on the 13th between BLG and AL. During the cheering segment, an audience member shouted, "The head is really bad," which upset IG fans because "the head" is a derogatory nickname for TheShy. Fans gathered in IG's super topic to defend TheShy, targeting Xuan Shen, who coined the nickname. However, merely insulting Xuan Shen did not have much effect.

After being criticized, Xuan Shen not only refused to back down but even openly provoked IG. He posted that for IG's next three matches, if their opponents won, there would be rewards, but if IG won, there would be nothing. To stir the pot, he even claimed that any audience member whose personal profile had content related to AL, TES, or TCB would receive additional rewards. This blatant provocation angered IG's management.

Following the fans' outcry and Xuan Shen's provocations, IG's shareholders reported the incident to the league. The officials acted swiftly, directly revoking Xuan Shen's secondary commentary qualifications. During IG's match against AL, he streamed with a black screen and criticized IG for over two hours. Many of IG's black fans also gathered to defend Xuan Shen, perhaps not realizing that when someone at the venue insulted TheShy, it would be Xuan Shen who faced the consequences.

Having built a reputation by riding on TheShy's negative popularity, Xuan Shen has indeed become obsessed with blackening IG. Regardless of IG's performance, his commentary is always filled with sarcasm. Honestly, punishment was only a matter of time. The key issue is that he currently fails to see the situation in the LPL. In recent years, the league's popularity has declined, relying heavily on veteran players like TheShy to maintain interest. The officials surely hope these veterans can continue playing for a few more years to boost viewership.

While the league's popularity is declining, Xuan Shen continues to provoke top-tier players. If he truly causes TheShy to lose his composure and retire, the officials would have to take serious action. This revocation of secondary qualifications is not only to protect the players but also serves as a warning to other secondary streamers. There should be limits to riding on negative popularity; if there are no boundaries, the officials will intervene. Streamers who only stir the pot and mindlessly criticize players certainly deserve a lesson.

Conclusion:

Although the nickname "the head" for TheShy is derogatory, fans also use it playfully. However, everyone is just joking online, and no one would openly insult him in person. To say something like "really bad" during a match unrelated to IG shows a lack of respect and understanding, and the person who coined this nickname deserves even more criticism.

What are your thoughts on Xuan Shen?

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