Strong police presence set for crunch soccer match between Hong Kong and China
Force worries about potential crowd trouble at soccer game between Hong Kong and China
Police will deploy 1,200 officers next Tuesday - the same as for last year's Occupy protests in Mong Kok - when the Hong Kong soccer team clashes with China in the World Cup qualifiers, according to police sources.
Force insiders said the security measure followed a risk assessment.
"The deployment is necessary. It's a precautionary measure," one source said.
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"We don't rule out the possibility that some people will make use of the result of the match to instigate others to cause trouble. We have to be ready for any eventuality."
It is understood the police took into account previous incidents caused by local soccer fans and the likely turnout of mainland fans.
When asked whether police were anticipating trouble, the source said they were closely monitoring whether anyone or any organisation was planning to cause trouble during the match.
There will be a police command post in Mong Kok Stadium during the match. With the exception of 20 policemen taken on by the organisers, no other officers will be stationed in the stadium. It is understood half of the 1,200 officers will carry out duties in Mong Kok district - and will only appear if there is trouble.
Only 3,000 tickets were sold last week after the government denied the Hong Kong Football Association's request to use the 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium, forcing it to use the 6,400capacity Mong Kok venueinstead.
To prevent tickets going to away supporters, fans were asked to prove that they were Hong Kong residents when they purchased tickets and to show their identity card to collect tickets and when they arrive at the stadium - an arrangement unheard of in recent years.
The HKFA said supporters would face "extensive bag searches" and have to submit banners or promotional material for approval to prevent political propaganda or discriminatory material making it to the stands.
The measures come after the world governing body, Fifa, censured the HKFA and fined it 5,000 Swiss francs (HK$38,600) over fan behaviour at the team's last three home qualifiers. Fans booed the Chinese national anthem as political tension with Beijing spilled over into sport, while a drink carton was thrown at a Qatari player during Hong Kong's 3-2 defeat in September.
The game is hotly anticipated after Hong Kong battled to a 0-0 draw against China in Shenzhen in September. Hong Kong lie second in Group C with 13 points, two behind leaders Qatar, with China three points behind with a game in hand. Only the top two teams qualify for the next round.
