HKFA fined for fans' racist abuse against Azkals

MANILA, Philippines – The alleged racist behavior and acts of violence made by Hong Kong supporters against the Philippine Azkals and Filipino fans during a June 4, 2013 "international friendly" at Mong Kok Stadium did not go unpunished from the world governing body of football.

Acting on the complaint filed by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF),  the International Football Federation (Fifa) slapped the host Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) with a  fine of 30,000 Swiss francs (roughly P1.4 million) for the purported misbehavior of fans during the controversial match that the Azkals won, 1-0.

On top of this, the Fifa ordered HKFA to pay an additional 3,000 Francs (P148,000) to cover the Filipinos' expenses for the proceedings.

According to Filipino complainants, a group of Hong Kong supporters shouted racial slurs such as "slave nations" and booed 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 PFF complained that this was in violation of  "Fifa regulations on security for international matches and discrimination of supporters."

Per Fifa disciplinary code, the host association will be sanctioned for the "unruliness" of the fans.

"The decision shows that Fifa vigorously implements the non-discrimination provisions of the Fifa statutes wherever the conduct is displayed and whoever the guilty party is. It also stressed the responsibility of the host member association for the spectators' conduct in any friendly match in its territory,"  the PFF said in a statement Sunday.

"Indeed, any discriminatory conduct or acts of violence during any football match cannot be condoned. Football should unite and not divide," it added.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami, who personally witnessed and experienced the incident, expressed hope it won't be repeated.

"Certainly, racism and disrespect for another country and its people do not have room in any sport especially in the beautiful game of football. We are optimistic that this sad incident will not be repeated, not just in Hong Kong but in any other country that the Azkals will play in," Palami was quoted by the ABS-CBN News Channel.

The HKFA, meanwhile, expressed disappointment over the Fifa decision and maintained it was just a "minor incident" involving a few HK fans.

“In my opinion, the incidents were very minor in nature and there was significant provocation by a number of the Philippine players,” said HKFA  chief executive officer Mark Sutcliffe. “Having said that, we do not condone any acts of violence or racial discrimination and…we will implement stadium bans on any individuals convicted of an offense of this nature.”

Sutcliffe added that they may appeal the decision.