Impending National Anthem Law offers hope but HKFA admits it ‘can do little to stop’ more booing at Tuesday’s match
Hong Kong take on Lebanon in their last home game before government tables draft to Legislative Council
Officials will have their fingers crossed the national anthem saga is coming to an end as Hong Kong host Lebanon in the Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night.
The match at Hong Kong Stadium will be the last home game for the representative team before the government tables a draft of the National Anthem Law to the Legislative Council early next year. Following approval from the Executive Council, the draft law would be sent to the council’s bills committee for scrutiny.
“We hope this could be the end of it as the situation should be under better control when the draft law becomes part of the local legislation,” said Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) vice-chairman Pui Kwan-kay.
“We know we can do little to stop it at this stage, but we hope the fans refrain from violating the proposed law once again.
“The regional soccer governing body [Asian Football Confederation] has already warned the HKFA any further breach of the rules on fans’ behaviour could be met with more severe punishment. If that really happens, it will be the Hong Kong team to suffer.”