Police Arrest Three For ‘Disrespecting’ China National Anthem During World Cup Qualifier Match

According to the authorities, three individuals were recently apprehended for sitting down and turning their backs during the playing of China’s national anthem before Hong Kong’s home World Cup qualifier against Iran.

Sportxparte understands that in the past, football enthusiasts in Hong Kong used to express their political discontent by booing the national anthem.

However, in 2020, the government prohibited this practice as part of a broader crackdown following significant democracy protests in the city.

During the match at Hong Kong Stadium, two men and a woman were taken into custody for “turning their backs towards the pitch and not standing during the national anthem.”

A statement from the police noted that anyone who intentionally and publicly insults the national anthem in any manner is committing a crime.

The three individuals arrested were aged between 18 and 31. If found guilty, they could face a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of HK$50,000 ($6,400).

Despite Hong Kong’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifying stage, they were defeated by Iran 4-2 in the match.

Hong Kong, although a special administrative region of China, competes under its own name in various international sports, including football.

Throughout the politically turbulent 2010s, the Hong Kong team served as a symbol of civic pride and sometimes anti-government sentiment.

During that period, the Chinese national anthem was frequently drowned out by boos before Hong Kong matches, causing frustration among local and mainland officials.

Following Beijing’s implementation of a comprehensive national security law in Hong Kong in 2020, the city passed a separate local law criminalizing insults directed at the anthem.