Three individuals detained for “disrespectful” behavior towards Chinese national anthem during World Cup qualifying match

Three individuals were arrested Thursday night for allegedly insulting China’s national anthem during a 2026 World Cup Asian qualifier football match in Hong Kong. They were released on bail the following morning, according to police. The trio, aged 18 to 31, were seen turning their backs to the field and failing to stand during a broadcast of the Chinese national anthem “March of the Volunteers” at the beginning of the match.

Plainclothes police officers were reportedly seen observing and filming spectators as the anthem was being played at the match against Iran, which secured a 4-2 win. All three individuals were released on bail pending further investigation, but required to report back to the police in July, investigators said.

In June 2020, Hong Kong enacted the National Anthem Ordinance, which criminalizes “insults” to the national anthem. The law also stipulates that all individuals and organizations should “respect” and “preserve the dignity” of the national anthem and play and sing it on “appropriate occasions.” Those caught in violation of the law are punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and fines of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,400).

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