Fan who invaded pitch in brawl may be player from another club
The encounter between the two unbeaten teams at Happy Valley was stopped for more than 10 minutes after incensed fans stormed on to the pitch
An investigation into the "deplorable" pitch invasion by spectators during the top-of-the-table hockey clash between Punjab and Khalsa in the Premier Division on Sunday took a twist when it was discovered that one of the main culprits was a player from another club.
"We are still carrying out investigations but it appears the pitch invasion was not instigated by Punjab fans but rather a player from another club who has a bad disciplinary track record," said Hong Kong Hockey Association official Billy Dillon yesterday.
Dillon refused to disclose which club the player belonged to until a full inquiry was completed.
The encounter between the two unbeaten teams at Happy Valley was stopped for more than 10 minutes after incensed fans stormed on to the pitch following a rude gesture from Khalsa's Harpreet Singh, who taunted fans - apparently from Punjab - after scoring a goal that gave his side a 3-2 lead in an enthralling game.
It appears the pitch invasion was not instigated by Punjab fans but rather a player from another club who has a bad disciplinary track record
Singh, a new signing for Khalsa and playing only his second game in Hong Kong, used his whole right fist provocatively after converting a disputed short corner. It was enough to inflame the passions of a group of spectators who ran on to the pitch after the player.