Chinese riot police were deployed for a FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between China and Chinese-ruled Hong Kong that ended peacefully in a 0-0 draw on Thursday, amid echoing tensions from Hong Kong’s democracy protests last year.
Protesters blocked Hong Kong’s main streets for months last year during the “Occupy Central” protests, calling for real democracy for the former British colony in the vote for its next leader in 2017. Beijing has allowed a direct vote, but only from among pre-screened, pro-Beijing candidates.
Hundreds of Chinese paramilitary and riot police were deployed in and around the 40,000-seat stadium in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, bordering Hong Kong.
Photo: AFP
The match, a spirited contest dominated by China, ended in a 0-0 draw, sparking wild celebrations from 2,000 or so Hong Kong fans, hemmed in by tens of thousands of red-clad Chinese supporters banging drums and waving flags.
“We’ve faced so much pressure from China over the past year. This is the only way we can release some of our anger, on the sports field,” said Roy Choi, a fan with a group called Power for Hong Kong. “I’m so proud of Hong Kong.”
Passions had already spilled over earlier in the year when Hong Kong fans jeered as China’s national anthem was played at a previous qualifier, drawing the ire of some Chinese bloggers who called for the “beating of Hong Kong dogs” in Shenzhen.
A controversial poster issued by the Chinese soccer association to promote the qualifier had also raised the heat.
“This team has people with black skin, yellow skin and white skin. For such a diverse team, be on guard,” the poster read.
The Hong Kong team has a number of foreign-born players.
Most Chinese fans streamed out of the stadium peacefully, watched by scores of riot police clutching shields and batons.
“I’m disappointed,” said Cai Ronghua, with a China flag drawn on his forehead. “Politics shouldn’t intrude into sports... but I do admit that ties between Hong Kong and China aren’t great right now.”
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