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Clifford Lo

Samuel Chan

Police will deploy 1,200 officers next Tuesday - the same as for last year's Occupy protests in Mong Kok - when the Hong Kong soccer team clashes with China in the World Cup qualifiers, according to police sources.
And with both sides winning last night, there will be a lot riding on the match with a place in the third qualifying round at stake.
Force insiders said the security measure followed a risk assessment.
"The deployment is necessary. It's a precautionary measure," one source said.
READ MORE: Hong Kong warm up for China showdown with narrow in in Maldives
"We don't rule out the possibility that some people will make use of the result of the match to instigate others to cause trouble. We have to be ready for any eventuality."
It is understood the police took into account previous incidents caused by local soccer fans and the likely turnout of mainland fans.
When asked whether police were anticipating trouble, the source said they were closely monitoring whether anyone or any organisation was planning to cause trouble during the match.
There will be a police command post in Mong Kok Stadium during the match. With the exception of 20 policemen taken on by the organisers, no other officers will be stationed in the stadium. It is understood half of the 1,200 officers will carry out duties in Mong Kok district - and will only appear if there is trouble.
Only 3,000 tickets were sold last week after the government denied the Hong Kong Football Association's request to use the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium, forcing it to use the 6,400capacity Mong Kok venueinstead.
To prevent tickets going to away supporters, fans were asked to prove that they were Hong Kong residents when they purchased tickets and to show their identity card to collect tickets and when they arrive at the stadium - an arrangement unheard of in recent years.
The HKFA said supporters would face "extensive bag searches" and have to submit banners or promotional material for approval to prevent political propaganda or discriminatory material making it to the stands.
The measures come after the world governing body, Fifa, censured the HKFA and fined it 5,000 Swiss francs (HK$38,600) over fan behaviour at the team's last three home qualifiers. Fans booed the Chinese national anthem as political tension with Beijing spilled over into sport, while a drink carton was thrown at a Qatari player during Hong Kong's 3-2 defeat in September.
The game is hotly anticipated after Hong Kong battled to a 0-0 draw against China in Shenzhen in September. Hong Kong lie second in Group C with 13 points, two behind leaders Qatar, with China three points behind with a game in hand. Only the top two teams qualify for the next round.


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Strong police presence set for crunch soccer match between Hong Kong and China

Hordes of football fans queued up for tickets for the Hong Kong versus China World Cup qualifier outside Mong Kok Stadium on November 4. Photo: Sam Tsang

Now bring on China: Hong Kong prepare for World Cup showdown with narrow win in Maldives

New boy Paulinho celebrates his goal with Chan Siu-ki. Photo: HKFA

Hong Kong's Paulinho tussles with Abdulla Ahmad. Photo: HKFA

Lam Ka-wai tries a shot. Photo: HKFA

Cheung Kin-fung takes on the Maldives defence. Photo: HKFA

Target practice for China ahead of Hong Kong showdown as they blast 12 past Bhutan

Yu Dabao of China celebrates a goal against Bhutan during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Changsha, in China's Hunan province on November 12, 2015. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO

Bhutan goal keeper Hari Gurung fails to stop a goal by China during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Changsha, in China's Hunan province on November 12, 2015. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO

India's goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (C) and player Arnad Kumar Mondal (R) look on as Guam's Shane Andre Malcom attempts a strike towards the goal during the the Asia Group D FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between India and Guam at The Sree KanteeraVa Stadium in Bangalore on November 12, 2015. AFP PHOTO/ Manjunath KIRAN

Yang Xu of China (R)and teammate Wang Yongpo celebrate during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bhutan in Changsha, in China's Hunan province on November 12, 2015. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO

Jigme Tshering Dorjee (L) and Man Bahadur Gurung (C) of Bhutan challenge Yu Hanchao of China during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Changsha, in China's Hunan province on November 12, 2015. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO

Yang Xu of China gestures during a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bhutan in Changsha, in China's Hunan province on November 12, 2015. CHINA OUT AFP PHOTO

(151112) -- SINGAPORE, Nov. 12, 2015 (Xinhua) -- Japan's football fans pose for photos before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E Asia qualifier match between Singapore and Japan in Singapore's National Stadium, Nov. 12, 2015. Singapore lost 0-3. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

Palestinian fans cheer on there team during the WC2018 Asia Qualification football match between Palestine and Malaysia at the Amman international stadium in the Jordanian capital on November 12, 2015. Palestine's football association reluctantly agreed to play upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Saudi Arabia and Malaysia at neutral venues, after FIFA voiced concerns over security fears in Palestine. AFP PHOTO / KHALIL MAZRAAWI

Yu Dabao of China celebrates a goal against Bhutan. Photo: AFP

Angry soccer fans give Cityline red card over ticket sales fiasco for Hong Kong v China World Cup qualifier    

Angry soccer fans try to get past security after the gates close at Mong Kok Stadium. Concessionary tickets were sold out by 12.30pm. Photos: Sam Tsang 

A long queue of soccer fans wait patiently yesterday in Flower Market Road, hoping to secure tickets for the World Cup qualifying match between Hong Kong and China.  

Fans argue with staff at Mong Kok Stadium after tickets were sold out in two and a half hours.    

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Girls training at the school in Henan. Photo: Chinanews.com

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Tickets at viagogo.  

Tickets at viagogo. Click to enlarge.

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Force worries about potential crowd trouble at soccer game between Hong Kong and China
