Not much spark in South China's 3-0 win over Global in AFC Cup
Caroliners go through the motions to remain unbeaten after five matches in their group
Stands were partitioned to make room for a separate enclosure for Filipino fans but a low-key encounter ending in a tame 3-0 victory for South China over Global FC of the Philippines in the AFC Cup hardly ignited passions at Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night.
The last time a team from the Philippines visited Hong Kong - a friendly between the two national teams in June 2013 - it ended with the Hong Kong Football Association forced to pay a fine of more than HK$250,000 to Fifa, whichposed a penalty for racial abuse.
We are unbeaten after five matches in the AFC Cup and that is a very good performance
A group of Filipino fans, including women and children, were reportedly verbally abused by home fans on that occasion.
After complaints by the Philippines Football Association and the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong, the HKFA had to file a report on the incident and that resulted in a financial slap on the wrist.
The HKFA learned its lesson well. On Wednesday, one section at Mong Kok was kept exclusive for "away" fans, but only 13 turned up.
The rest of the 1,695-strong crowd was there to support the Caroliners, but they were more frustrated with their own team than with the visitors.