Hardcore fans boo national anthem before Hong Kong friendly soccer match against Laos
Despite a ‘respect’ the national anthem law being in place in mainland China, a group of spectators at Thursday night’s match at Mong Kok Stadium make their feelings known
A block of hardcore Hong Kong fans booed the national anthem, despite a recent law in China forbidding such actions, during Thursday’s soccer friendly against Laos.
Hong Kong trounced the visitors 4-0 at Mong Kok Stadium but a section of fans, mainly in the North Stand, made their feelings known when the March of the Volunteers was played.
Some were even seen pointing their middle finger during the ceremony, irking soccer officials who were afraid another episode like this would happen again.
On the pitch, Hong Kong easily accounted for a young Laos side in preparation for their crucial Asian Cup qualification home match against Malaysia on Tuesday.
Watch: A section of Hong Kong fans boo the national anthem
Although the match attendance was down from previous encounters involving the Hong Kong national squad, there was still a sizeable crowd of 2,200 spectators – roughly one third of the seating capacity of 6,200 – who made their feelings known about the national anthem.