Hong Kong leader orders police probe after protest song played instead of national anthem at international rugby match in South Korea
- Chief Executive John Lee orders police to investigate use of ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ instead of ‘March of the Volunteers’ anthem at overseas rugby fixture
- Hong Kong goes on the attack despite apology by Asia Rugby, which blamed junior employee for mistake
The Hong Kong government has ordered a police inquiry and registered its “strong opposition” with South Korea’s top diplomat in the city after a protest song linked to 2019’s social unrest was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby match involving the city’s team in Incheon.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday said it was “unacceptable” for Asia Rugby – the organisers of the tournament – to have played “Glory to Hong Kong” rather than “March of the Volunteers” as the visitors took to the field for the final against the host nation the day before.
“Asia Rugby has already apologised but, given the national anthem is a serious matter, the city government will write to it demanding a probe into the incident,” he said.
“The chief secretary has also expressed our strong opposition during a meeting with the Korean consul general and demanded the country look into it and sort out where the responsibilities lie.”
Lee said “Glory to Hong Kong” had a clear “political aim” and was linked to “black violence” and “pro-independence forces” during the 2019 unrest.
