PFF files raps vs HK fans

MANILA, Philippines - After going over the report filed by Azkals team manager Dan Palami on the incident that marred the team’s recent “friendly” against Hong Kong, the Philippine Football Federation has filed a complaint of racial abuse before the International Football Federation (Fifa).

According to PFF secretary general Ed Gastanes, the federation has found basis to take the matter before the world governing body for the sport, and cited, among others, “violations on Fifa regulations on security for international matches and discrimination of supporters.”

The complaint contained statements from several Filipino fans, who swore they were subjected to racial abuse in the controversial match at Mong Kok Stadium last June 4.

Complainants said a group of Hong Kong supporters had shouted racial slurs such as “slave nations” and booing while the Philippine national anthem was being played. Some HK fans, they added, even threw bottles and other debris at the Phl section, which included some women and children.

The Fifa, according to Gastanes, had also sought a report from the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) about the incident. The HKFA had conducted its own inquiry on the matter but has yet to come out with a report.