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Jiang Chuqin

Cheung Ka-long’s victory over Italy’s Filippo Macchi in the fencing gold medal bout has led to a bitter fallout that has now spilled out into all-out war on Instagram.
The Hongkonger’s controversial win was met with a backlash in Italy as Macchi’s coach labelled his pupil the “moral winner” and the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) lodged a formal complaint.
But now things have sunk really low as fans of the two sides have taken to trading insults against one another under Cheung’s posts on his Instagram account.


“I like pineapple pizza and pasta with soy sauce,” one Hong Kong user wrote, a reference to what is considered a faux pas in Italian cooking.
This was also followed by memes that read “I love pineapple in pizza” and “pineapple belongs to pizza” to really ram home the point.



To add insult to injury, Pizza Hut Hong Kong and Macao announced free pineapple toppings on their pizzas to celebrate the Hong Kong team’s medals, starting from 6pm today to July 31.
But it was just pizza gags that Hongkonger’s used to tease Italians.


“Now I know why the Mediterranean Sea is so salty. Because it is full of Italian tears,” another added.
An Italian user, meanwhile, labelled the result “ridiculous”, while another added: “You stole it! Admit it, man. Friendly ref saved you.”

The controversy surrounded the final point, which required three replays before Cheung eventually came out on top to seal a 15-14 victory.
Another complaint from Coni surrounded the origins of the referees for the event, referencing the closeness of South Korea and Chinese Taipei to Hong Kong geographically.
“Such a shame that other Italian peeps are such sore losers and cry babies with no idea of sportsmanship and so desperate they have to resort to using the race card,” another user replied.
Join our sports quiz this Friday to win flights, staycation packages, dining vouchers and much more. Learn more: sc.mp/sports-quiz


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Paris 2024 Olympic Games

‘Pineapple belongs on pizza’: Italy vs Hong Kong Instagram war after Cheung’s gold medal

Cheung Ka-long’s victory over Filippo Macchi led to a bitter feud between Italian and Hong Kong users on Instagram

Hongkongers’ memes hit Italy where it hurts. Photo: Instagram/cheungkalonggggg

Italians and Hongkongers at loggerheads on social media after the bitter gold medal bout. Photo: Instagram/cheungkalonggggg

Pineapple on pizza is considered one of the biggest faux pas in Italian cooking. Photo: Instagram/cheungkalonggggg

Italian Instagram users express their displeasure at Cheung Ka-long’s victory. Photo: Instagram/cheungkalonggggg

‘Hong Kong spirit’ of Vivian Kong, Cheung Ka-long in Paris praised on Chinese social media

Cheung Ka-long’s ‘Hong Kong spirit’ praised by social media users in mainland China after gold medal success at Paris Olympic Games. Photo: Reuters

Vivian Long had secured gold in the women’s épée event just two days before Cheung Ka-long’s triumph. Photo: AP

‘Kong girl’ Cheung’s gold not the only bling that caught the eye during Olympic triumph

Cheung Ka-long’s bling around his neck is accompanied by that on his wrist. Photo: SCMP

Paris Olympics: Italy lodges formal complaint after Hong Kong’s Cheung defeats Macchi

Cheung Ka-long (centre) wears his gold medal around his neck with Italy’s Filippo Macchi (left) settling for the silver. Photo: Reuters

Italy’s Filippo Macchi (left) shakes hands gold medallist Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long after their bout in Paris. Photo: AFP

Italy’s Filippo Macchi shows his devastation after losing out on a fencing gold medal to Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long. Photo: Reuters

Paris Olympics: Cheung Ka-long ‘can’t believe’ second gold – but may chase a third in 2028

Cheung Ka-long is ecstatic as he clinches gold in Paris. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long is mobbed after defending the Olympic men’s foil crown. Photo: AFP

The now double Olympic gold medallist Cheung Ka-long with his coach Greg Koenig. Photo: Handout

Paris Olympics: who is Cheung Ka-long? Stunning rise of Hong Kong’s double gold medallist

Cheung Ka-long offers his trademark tongue-out celebration after winning his Olympic semi-final at the Grand Palais in Paris. Photo: EPA-EFE

Cheung Ka-long takes a moment to savour his achievement after retaining his Olympic crown. Photo: EPA-EFE

Victory is assured as Cheung Ka-long (right) celebrates scoring the decisive point in Paris. Photo: EPA-EFE

Filippo Macchi of Italy (left) tries to attack Cheung Ka-long during Monday’s foil final. Photo: EPA-EFE

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

Hong Kong

Fencing

The Buzz

Hongkongers were prepared to hit the Italians where it hurt as the fallout over the dramatic bout spilled onto social media


Hongkongers were prepared to hit the Italians where it hurt as the fallout over Cheung Ka-long’s dramatic victory over Filippo Macchi spilled onto social media.


Cheung Ka-long (張家朗)

Instagram