Hong Kong FA answers racism raps filed by PFF

MANILA, Philippines – The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) finally submitted on Friday its own initial findings on the alleged racist and discriminatory abuse experienced by the Philippine Azkals and their supporters during their 1-0 victory over the national team of the former crown colony last June 4.

The HKFA report was forwarded three days after the Philippine Football Federation formally filed a complaint before FIFA.  Pending an official investigation of the world governing body, which strengthened its policies against racism last month, the HKFA opted to be privy of the details to avoid prejudicing the result.

After the Azkals won for the first time against Hong Kong in eight matches, the Filipino fans in attendance went to social networking site Twitter to air their grievances against the hostile home crowd.  The story was picked up by the Associated Press and local media in Hong Kong.  

According to the AP report, some of the home fans pelted the Azkals players with mineral water bottle and juice cartons while some made obscene gestures towards the Filipino fans and called them “slaves” in reference to the more than 100,000 Filipino migrants who work as domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

Cedelf Tupas of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the only Filipino scribe who covered the friendly, also said some of the fans were already booing them when the Phil. National Anthem was being played during the protocol.

In a press release relayed to Philstar.com late Friday, the HKFA pointed out that the allegation of racist and discriminatory behavior only concerned a minority crowd that watched the match.  

Despite of this, the HKFA condemned the incident and vowed to fully cooperate in any further investigation to be made by FIFA.

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

Furthermore, they reiterated their full support to FIFA’s latest resolution on the fight against racism and discrimination.

“No amount of political tension or provocation or frustration can justify any incidence of racist or discriminatory behavior.”

To avoid such incident in the future, the HKFA made the following guidelines:

• For future matches we will formalize our “risk assessment” protocols and ensure that an Anti-Discrimination Officer is in the Stadium.
• As part of the risk assessment process and on a match by match basis we will consider the formal segregation of opposing spectators and the use of designated seats.
• Working with the authorities to find ways to identify fans that transgress with a view to imposing two-year bans in accordance with FIFA Statutes.
• Making public announcements at the stadium, as appropriate and necessary, warning all fans of the outcome of using racist language and asking them to respect National Anthems.
• Giving further training to Ground Stewards and working with the law enforcement agencies, in relation to the handling and in particular the identification and ejection or apprehension of spectators engaged in racist activity.
• In accordance with the recent FIFA Resolution on the Fight Against Racism and Discrimination, the HKFA will prepare an Education Action Plan.
• Using the HKFA website to educate fans about racism and respect for others for every future match.