China visa rejection for Kitchee striker has fans claiming ‘dirty tricks’ from Hong Kong title rivals R&F
- Hong Kong club’s supporters say Guangzhou-based R&F are meddling behind the scenes
- Croatian striker Josip Tadic is set to miss crucial match at top of Hong Kong Premier League table
The China-based club have played six home games at the Yanzigang Stadium in Guangzhou this season, but there have been no such visa problems until this week.
According to Kitchee president Ken Ng Kin, Tadic’s visa for China was handled by an agent recommended by R&F but the Croatian striker was the only Kitchee player that failed to obtain his permit.
The former Croatia under-21 international’s application was reportedly rejected because he has entry records in Turkey from his time playing for Turkish Super League side Balikesirspor in 2016.
The 31-year-old’s visa rejection is controversial given CSL side Guangzhou R&F have a Serbian foreign player in Dusko Tosic, who played for Turkish side Besiktas from 2015 to 2018. “If Tosic can enter China, we think R&F can help us sort it out,” Ng said.