BRITISH Forces have banned their supporters from matches in the Hongkong First Division. After rowdy scenes involving their fans at a league game against Michelotti in mid-December, officials have taken the unusual step of saying their services are no longer required. This resulted in a small and subdued Forces following among the 38 hardy souls who paid to watch Saturday night's league match against Kui Tan at a bitterly cold Shamshuipo Sports Ground. Major Don Grant, secretary of the British Forces Hongkong Football Association, said last night: ''We felt they were a bit too over-exuberant during the Michelotti game and that it did not do the team any good. ''At the end of the day we want to keep a nice clean image off the field as well as on it so we let it be known on the grapevine that we would prefer them to keep it clean or stay away. ''The songs were becoming a bit more risque and we did not want it to carry on.'' Forces were promoted from the Second Division last season and their matches against Hongkong's professional teams attracted a noisy band of supporters, several of them decked out in Union Jack flags. Most of the time their behaviour was good-natured but club officials believe they over-stepped the mark during the game in a boozy Christmas build-up. The Forces, meanwhile, are to complain to the Hongkong Football Association today because of the lack of medical cover at their match against Kui Tan on Saturday night. When Forces midfielder Ian Saggars tore ankle ligaments midway through the first half there was no specialist help available. After finding the key to the first-aid room, a teammate ran on to the field with a stretcher and the injured player was carried off by Forces officials and Kui Tan defender Jason Loryman before being taken to the British Military Hospital by ambulance. ''We were not happy that there was no one present from St John Ambulance and no doctor at the ground,'' said Major Grant. ''Technically it was Kui Tan's home game but this was the second time it's happened to us this season. ''I could not believe there was no medical cover for a professional sports event. It's frightening really when you think of players who have swallowed their tongue during a game. ''Fortunately this injury was not serious but it could have been a broken leg.''
