Three Individuals Apprehended For Disrespecting Anthem At Hong Kong W’Cup Qualifier

Three Individuals Apprehended For Disrespecting Anthem At Hong Kong W’Cup Qualifier....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Three individuals were arrested by Hong Kong police on Friday for remaining seated and turning their backs during the playing of China’s national anthem before the city’s home World Cup qualifier against Iran. This act, previously a form of protest, has been prohibited since 2020 under a broader governmental crackdown following significant pro-democracy demonstrations.

According to authorities, the arrests at Hong Kong Stadium involved two men and one woman who “turned their backs toward the pitch and did not stand for the playing of the national anthem.” The police emphasized that any deliberate public insult to the national anthem constitutes a criminal offense.

The arrested individuals, aged between 18 and 31, could face a maximum penalty of three years in jail and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,400) if convicted. Despite already being eliminated from contention for the 2026 World Cup, Hong Kong suffered a 4-2 defeat against Iran in the match.

Hong Kong, although a special administrative region of China, participates independently in international sports events, including football. The local football team has at times become a symbol of civic pride and occasionally anti-government sentiment amid the political turmoil of the past decade.

During that period, the Chinese national anthem often faced boos from local fans before matches, provoking displeasure from authorities in both Hong Kong and mainland China. The enactment of a national security law in 2020 by Beijing led to Hong Kong’s own legislation criminalizing disrespect towards the anthem.