HK vows to punish, prevent racism in football

MANILA, Philippines - The Hong Kong Football Association announced a slew of measures to punish and prevent racist behavior at games in the wake of allegations of racism during the recent friendly between Hong Kong and the Philippine Azkals.

“The HKFA will not tolerate any acts of racism or discrimination from spectators, players, coaches or administrators and will take the appropriate action against offenders,” the HKFA said in a statement.

“The HKFA would like to make it clear that it will participate willingly and diligently in any further investigation instigated by Fifa. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the HKFA will respect and comply with any ruling made by Fifa,” it added.

The Hong Kong football body said it had submitted an initial investigation report to the International Football Federation (Fifa) but declined to make public its findings “to avoid prejudicing the process and outcome of a full investigation.”

The Fifa is expected to conduct a probe after the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), acting on witnesses’ testimonies claiming they got subjected to insults like “nation of slaves, nation of maids” and pelted with mineral water bottles, filed a complaint before the world body.

In the statement released Friday night, the HKFA defended Hong Kong fans who they stressed  have “a long-standing and deserved reputation for their passion for football blended with decency and friendliness towards opposing fans and teams.”

“The vast majority of fans at the match in question behaved in a respectful and peaceful manner. It is important that their exemplary behavior is acknowledged. The allegation of racist and discriminatory behavior and the initial investigation concerns the behavior of a small minority of people,” HKFA said.

Although it maintained it has yet to receive official confirmation of the PFF’s complaint before Fifa, HKFA said it was already tackling the delicate matter and vowed to curb racism by starting strict measures during home matches.

These include formalizing “risk assessment protocols” and ensuring the presence of an anti-discrimination officer; possible “segregation” of opposing spectators on a match-by-match basis; working with authorities to find ways of identifying fans who transgress with a view of imposing two-year bans; and making public announcements at the stadium warning all fans of the outcome of using racist language and asking them to respect national anthems.

The Azkals scored a breakthrough 1-0 win over Hong Kong in that controversial match last June 4.

Hong Kong supporters hurled rubbish and insults at rival players and fans during the match, according to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Sections of the home crowd called the Philippines a “slave nation” during the game and booed the Philippine national anthem when it was played, media reports from the southern Chinese city and the Philippines said.