No booing of the Chinese national anthem was heard, but some of Hong Kong’s fans instead cheered Singapore’s ahead of an international friendly at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday night. With police surveillance in place at the venue, and the National Anthem Ordinance in effect since 2020, supporters heeded Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) chief Pui Kwan-kay’s advice not to jeer when March of the Volunteers was played before the 1-1 draw . “The fans have to be praised for their focus on the match and support to the home team, but not other things,” Pui said. “Football should always be the subject when attending a match. We hope this will continue in future.” No booing heard when the China national anthem is played before Hong Kong against Singapore international friendly at Mong Kok Stadium. pic.twitter.com/wIbAAekGUg — Kin-wa Chan (@Kinwachan1024) March 23, 2023 It was only the second time in six months that Hong Kong had played at home, having hosted Myanmar in another international friendly in September, when some fans booed the Chinese national anthem at Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po. Most fans had been wearing face masks during that match, however, with the city’s Covid-19 restrictions only recently lifted by the government. A full house of 6,000 supporters filled the Mong Kong facility on Thursday with several hundred fans lining up outside hours before the match to purchase the new Hong Kong team jersey. A fan who identified himself as Mr Lee was the first to arrive at 4pm, four hours before kick off, and two hours before spectators were allowed into the stadium. “I have been supporting the Hong Kong team for more than six years and I don’t want to miss the chance of buying the new edition of the jersey,” he said. “Also this may be the last time they print Hong Kong on the jersey, as it may change later.” The HKFA will change its name to Hong Kong China Football Association as requested by the city’s Olympic Committee, which has asked all national sports bodies to follow the new rule or face their government funding being taken away.