We will not skip national anthem, says Hong Kong soccer chief as patience wears out with boo boys
Hong Kong Football Association says anthem is a sign of respect and it will be played before the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Malaysia on Tuesday
The March of the Volunteers will ring out from Hong Kong Stadium on Tuesday night, despite the Hong Kong Football Association having the option to skip the national anthem and head off another noisy fan protest.
HKFA officials have given up on fans who insist on booing the anthem, saying their futile appeals for common sense have fallen on deaf ears.
Under Fifa rules, it is not necessary to play the national anthem before the start of an international match if both teams and the match commissioner agree.
However, the HKFA board has determined it should be played against Malaysia in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
“We think it shows a kind of respect to your country,” said board chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak.
Watch: Hong Kong football fans boo their national anthem