The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) expressed disappointment on Wednesday with some Hong Kong fans who started booing when the national anthem was being played during a home game.
During a home game in a World Cup qualifier against Qatar on Tuesday, some Hong Kong fans jeered again when the national anthem was played.
The incident caused a backlash from online users in the Chinese mainland, who called Hong Kong fans "unpatriotic."
HKFA president Brian Leung told the Global Times that he is disappointed with the Hong Kong fans' behavior, but said that the latest incident was not as bad as two previous ones as Hong Kong fans have shown greater restraint
With the rise of localism and anti-Beijing sentiment in the city, fans have also booed the anthem at two other home games already this year during the preliminary rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia in June, when Hong Kong defeated Bhutan and the Maldives.
Still, the incident has triggered discussions among net users in the Chinese mainland. Many netizens said Hong Kong fans are not patriotic, and that their behavior has serious implications.
Leung said the FIFA Disciplinary Code states that the HKFA and the Hong Kong team could be fined or face other penalties.
The HKFA received a letter from the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) on July 3, which warned that "spectators shall respect at all times the principles of fair play."
Leung said he is not worried that Hong Kong fans will be banned from watching the match with China in November, although he said he was not aware of FIFA's reaction to the incident.
