Editorial | Foul play on anthem must be cleared up
- Playing of protest song before match involving Hong Kong rugby team has struck a raw nerve and needs to be investigated
The playing of national anthems at sports events may go wrong for many reasons. Embarrassing as they are, such mistakes often end up as nothing more than a political storm in a teacup.
The severity of the matter is reflected in a strongly worded statement from the Hong Kong government, which said it “strongly deplores and opposes” the playing of a tune that was “closely associated with violent protests and the ‘independence’ movement in 2019”.
Police are investigating whether any conspiracy to breach the national anthem law or any other legislation is involved. There are also calls to send national security personnel overseas to investigate.
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Hong Kong leader John Lee says protest song at rugby finals ‘unacceptable’
Attention has been further drawn to the response of Hong Kong players at the scene, with some Beijing loyalists saying they should have immediately protested and left the field.