Trio arrested for ‘insulting’ Chinese national anthem at World Cup qualifier

Three people were arrested on Thursday evening for allegedly insulting the Chinese national anthem during an Asian qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Hong Kong before being released on bail the next morning, police said.

The trio, aged between 18 and 31, were seen turning their backs on the pitch and unable to stand up during the broadcast of the Chinese national anthem, “March of the Volunteers”, at the start of the match.

Plainclothes police officers were reportedly seen observing and filming spectators during the national anthem at the match against Iran, which was won 4-2.

All three people were released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation, but had to report to police again in July, investigators said.

In June 2020, Hong Kong passed the National Anthem Ordinance, which criminalizes “insults” to the national anthem. The law also requires all individuals and organizations to “respect” and “uphold the dignity” of the national anthem and to play and sing it on “appropriate occasions.”

Violations of the law can result in up to three years in prison and fines of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,400).

Related coverage:

China and Hong Kong tighten security measures on 35th anniversary of Tiananmen Square massacre

Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow recalls her experiences in prison in online video

Hong Kong introduces bill to amend national security law