The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it strongly deplores and opposes that a song strongly linked with violent protests was played during the Asia Rugby Seven Series and demands a probe into the matter.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made the statement today and explained that the song, which is closely associated with violent protests and the independence movement in 2019, was played in place of the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China at the men’s final between Hong Kong and South Korea of the second leg of the rugby games held yesterday in Incheon, South Korea.

It said: “The national anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the national anthem receives the respect it warranted.

“We have already written to the Hong Kong Rugby Union last evening demanding them to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection to Asia Rugby, who is the organiser of the series.”

Based on the preliminary information provided by the Hong Kong Rugby Union to the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, Asia Rugby has already apologised to the union about the incident.

In addition to confirming that the recording of the national anthem submitted by the coach of the Hong Kong team was the correct one, Asia Rugby pointed out that the mistake was caused by the human error of a junior staff of the local organiser.

The Hong Kong team brought the issue to the attention of the organiser as soon as the wrong music was played at the stadium.

The organiser made a public announcement conveying its apology for the mistake immediately after the game and played the correct national anthem during the prize presentation ceremony when the Hong Kong team won the final.

The Hong Kong rugby team will participate in the third leg of the Asia Rugby Seven Series to be held in Dubai at the end of the month. The Hong Kong SAR Government has already requested the Hong Kong Rugby Union to ensure similar incidents do not happen again.