The South China Morning Post writes
- Some fans heard booing as ‘March of the Volunteers’ played when Hong Kong took on Myanmar on Saturday
- Offences under the National Anthem Ordinance are punishable by up to three years in jail and a maximum HK$50,000 fine
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Football fans who booed the Chinese national anthem at a weekend match could be in breach of a Hong Kong law that criminalised displays of disrespect to the song, a lawyer warned on Sunday.
The match between the city’s representative team and Myanmar at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday evening, which attracted a crowd of more than 12,000, was the first home match for the local football team since the National Anthem Ordinance was enacted two years ago.
Solicitor Vitus Leung Wing-hang said police, who were present at the match and videoed spectators as “March of the Volunteers” was played, could take action if the evidence supported it or if complaints were made.
