Govt Demands Probe Into Rugby Anthem Blunder

The government on Monday demanded that the Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) investigate after organisers of a tournament in South Korea played what the administration described as "a song closely associated with violent protests and the 'independence' movement in 2019" in place of the National Anthem.

The song was played as the Hong Kong sevens team prepared to play South Korea in Sunday's final of the second leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series in Incheon. Organisers made a public apology and played the National Anthem of the People’s Republic of China at the presentation ceremony after the game.

In a statement, the government said it strongly opposed and deplored the playing of the song.

"The National Anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the National Anthem receives the respect it warranted," a government spokesman said.

"We have already written to the Hong Kong Rugby Union last evening demanding them to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection to Asia Rugby, who is the organiser of the series."

The government said Asia Rugby had apologised to the HKRU for the mistake, which it said was a result of human error by a junior staff member of the local organiser.

The organiser confirmed that the Hong Kong coach had submitted a recording of the correct anthem ahead of the game, the government said in its statement. The Hong Kong team brought the problem to the organisers' attention immediately.

The government said it had asked the HKRU to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident when the third leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens Series takes place in Dubai at the end of the month.

Hong Kong beat South Korea 19-12 in the final.