'I feel sorry for them, I'd do the same', says Hong Kong FA official as China launches Fifa protest over controversial disallowed goal
Protest is unlikely to yield a change in the result, which puts China manager Alain Perrin's job in danger
A China protest against a controversially disallowed “goal” in their World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on Tuesday night was understandable, a senior Hong Kong Football Association official said on Friday, but it would not change the result of the match.
Association vice-chairman Pui Kwan-kay said the Chinese Football Association had the right to express its views as most governing bodies would probably take a similar course of action.
The match is so important to them and they have to do something to express their discontent and pacify the fans and the media
The Chinese Football Association confirmed an appeal had been lodged with the Asian Football Confederation after the goalless draw but conceded it would be fruitless.
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“The match is so important to them and they have to do something to express their discontent and pacify the fans and the media.
“There are already tons of complaints on websites in China about the goal being disallowed,” said Pui.
“I feel sorry for them and if it happens to the Hong Kong team, we would probably do the same.