Hong Kong fans ignore warnings and again boo the national anthem – this time before an Asian Cup qualifier
Jeers ring out across Hong Kong Stadium as some turn their back on March of the Volunteers before the home side defeats Malaysia 2-0
The Hong Kong Football Association was left helpless as fans again booed the national anthem – this time before an Asian Cup qualifying match against Malaysia on Tuesday night.
Before a match that Hong Kong won 2-0 to keep their hopes of qualifying alive, a block of fans from the East Stand, mostly youngsters, jeered and were heard clearly throughout the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po.
Some also turned their backs when March of the Volunteers was played and one banner called for Hong Kong’s independence.
Association chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak refused to comment on the situation. The association had decided to go ahead and play the national anthem, which is not mandatory under Fifa rules.
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“We always welcome fans to come and support the Hong Kong team. That’s why we are here tonight. Our focus is solely on sport and we are not going to discuss subjects other than that,” he said.