HKFA Hopes Law Will Deter Fans From Booing Anthem

The head of the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) said on Friday that he hopes the newly passed national anthem law will deter people from booing the "March of the Volunteers" at matches, saying politics should stay off the pitch.

Pui Kwan-kay said his association would discuss with the police and security guards how to handle any spectators at games who boo the anthem, and he urged fans not to break the law.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Pui said the association may also blacklist people who repeatedly disturb matches.

On Thursday, lawmakers passed legislation to make mocking the anthem a criminal offence, with offenders liable to fines of up to HK$50,000 or three years in prison.

Fifa has in the past fined the HKFA on occasions where fans booed China's anthem during World Cup qualifying matches.