![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/hong-kong-calls-for-probe-after-rugby-match-protest-song/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127625375_gettyimages-1161097333.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The song became the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy protestsHong Kong officials have demanded an investigation after a rugby game where a protest song was played instead of China's national anthem. The city said it "strongly deplores... the playing of a song associated with 'violent protests'".The song, Glory to Hong Kong, is considered the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement.And it has become increasingly controversial under Beijing's tight grip over the city. The song's lyrics refer to the "tears on our land", and mention "democracy and liberty".Although Hong Kong officials did not name the song, videos of the scene from Sunday's match have since been shared widely online. The song can be heard playing ahead of a match between Hong Kong and South Korea at the Asia Rugby Sevens, an annual regional tournament. The players don't appear to react to the song. The organisers said the mistake was caused "by human error of a junior staff", and that the Hong Kong team coach had submitted the correct song, according to a government statement.A government spokesperson said they had written to the Hong Kong Rugby Union on Sunday evening demanding that they "deal with this matter seriously [and to] launch a full and in-depth investigation".It added that the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final. The Hong Kong Rugby Union on Monday expressed "extreme dissatisfaction" over the incident. It also said the organisers, Asia Rugby, have "expressed their sincere apologies and assured us it will not happen again".Hong Kong now has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem. It was enacted in 2020 after years of the Chinese anthem being booed at during football matches. Glory to Hong Kong is not been banned in the city but earlier this year, a man who played it along with several songs out){kind=link}
Hong Kong officials have demanded an investigation after a rugby game where a protest song was played instead of China’s national anthem.
The city said it “strongly deplores… the playing of a song associated with ‘violent protests'”.
The song, Glory to Hong Kong, is considered the unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement.
And it has become increasingly controversial under Beijing’s tight grip over the city.
The song’s lyrics refer to the “tears on our land”, and mention “democracy and liberty”.