Hong Kong fans jeer China anthem at World Cup qualifier

Hong Kong football fans loudly jeered the Chinese national anthem when their side took on Bahrain in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier game.

Published : Nov 15, 2019 00:54 IST

Mahdi Alhumaidan of Bahrain (L) fights for the ball with Tong Kin Man of Hong Kong (C) in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game, in which the China national anthem was jeered.
Mahdi Alhumaidan of Bahrain (L) fights for the ball with Tong Kin Man of Hong Kong (C) in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game, in which the China national anthem was jeered.
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Mahdi Alhumaidan of Bahrain (L) fights for the ball with Tong Kin Man of Hong Kong (C) in a FIFA World Cup qualifier game, in which the China national anthem was jeered.

Hong Kong football fans drowned out the Chinese national anthem with jeers on Thursday at a World Cup qualifier against Bahrain in the semi-autonomous territory that is beset by protests.

Footage circulating on social media showed fans roundly booing the Chinese anthem.

Hong Kong comes under the rule of Beijing, although it is governed under a system allowing greater freedoms.

Protesters want greater democracy and are kicking back against Beijing and Hong Kong's China-backed government.

The city has entered its sixth month of demonstrations, and violence is increasing.

On Thursday, the sparse number of fans to attend the Bahrain qualifier drowned out the Chinese anthem with howls, whistles and jeers with many turning their backs to the pitch.

The cacophony -- in a partially-filled stadium -- ended as the announcer implored fans to “please enjoy the game.”

The match, which finished 0-0, was played despite violent protests in the city where some sporting events have been cancelled.

The WTA Hong Kong open was postponed in September, while a major charity trail run was pulled due to the ongoing political drama.

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