Philippines files racism complaint against Hong Kong fans

The Philippine Football Federation has asked Fifa to investigate allegations that Filipino supporters were subject to racist abuse during last week’s friendly in Hong Kong.

The federation’s head of marketing Ebong Joson said that complaint was filed on Tuesday. He said his office was preparing an official statement later on Thursday.

The Philippine Star daily reports the federation’s general secretary Ed Gastanes cited violations of Fifa regulations regarding security for international matches and discrimination of supporters.

The complaint contains statements from Filipino fans who said they were called “slaves” and that Hong Kong fans threw bottles at them and booed the Philippine national anthem.

The Hong Kong Football Association last week condemned inappropriate behaviour and said it was investigating the incidents.