Hong Kong coach tells fans to think before they boo, as Kai Tak clash with India sells out
City team likely to play Asian Cup clash before an attendance ‘slightly fewer’ than the new stadium’s 50,000-seat capacity
Ashley Westwood has urged Hong Kong fans to “think about what you are doing”, if they consider aiming abuse at him when his team play India in front of a potentially record-breaking attendance at Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
It was confirmed on Monday that tickets for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier had sold out.
Although the Football Association of Hong Kong China would not give an official figure, a spokeswoman said attendance would be “slightly fewer” than the venue’s 50,000-seat capacity.
“We keep setting records … for winning games and number of games undefeated – now it will be an attendance record, so it’s an upwards spiral,” Westwood said.
Hong Kong has never hosted an international at a ground larger than the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. After they drew 0-0 with Nepal at the So Kon Po venue last Thursday, a number of the 6,092 spectators called for Westwood to be sacked.
The Englishman, whose team are unbeaten in their past nine matches, said he was “not bothered” by the views of his critics, but warned angry fans that they risked both alienating young supporters and negatively affecting their side’s performance.