South China and Rangers could face disciplinary action after a pitched battle at Mongkok Stadium which saw four players sent off in a disgraceful 45-minute spell.
Referee Lam Hon-chung needed a police escort from the pitch following the stormy Ericsson League clash and Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) officials last night vowed to hold a video inquiry in the wake of the shameful spectacle.
Veronica Chan, vice-president of the HKFA, said: 'The FA will review the video tape in the next few days with both teams, the referee and the Hong Kong Football Association council members who were at the game. We will then decide what action to take.' While the HKFA's speedy pledge to hold a full inquiry should be welcomed, it appears that referee Lam is already being lined up as a scapegoat for the appalling scenes.
'If it is discovered that Lam made serious mistakes, then he will be suspended,' said Chan, not commenting on the behaviour of South China officials who sprinted on to the pitch to remonstrate with Lam after Caroliner stars Lee Kin-wo and Cristiano Cordeiro were sent off in the 43rd and 44th minutes.
Almost forgotten amidst the mayhem was the fact that Rangers inflicted an upset 2-0 win over the Caroliners.
'The referee was very bad,' said South China official Peter Leung Shou-chi. 'The two sendings off near half-time ruined the match,' he added.
