Hong Kong ‘crazy guys' among fans flocking to South Korea for East Asian Football Championship
Hundreds of supporters are set to back the team against Japan on Tuesday, and hosts South Korea on Friday, before an expected four-figure travelling army roar on Hong Kong in next week's blockbuster clash with China.
The group Chi Sin Lo, 'Crazy Guys' in Cantonese, have around 900 members in a WhatsApp channel launched for the tournament.
'The football culture in Hong Kong is continuously growing,' Calvin Choi, a core Chi Sin Lo member, said. 'About 10 years ago, the [ultra] fans group was 10 people. If you stood up in the stadium, people would ask you to sit down and stop blocking their view.
'Hong Kong people love watching Barcelona or Manchester United, but you're shouting at the TV, the players don't know who you are. When they get in the stadium, they realise it's much more passionate than football on TV. It's happening in front of them.
'People are motivated by the environment. Following Hong Kong, you can talk with the players, and have selfies with them. They remember you. The connection is closer than anywhere else.'
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The two major Hong Kong fans groups have begun mobilising ahead of the city team's assault on East Asian Football Championship glory this week. Hundreds of supporters are set to back the team against Japan on Tuesday, and hosts South Korea on Friday, before an expected four-figure travelling army roar on Hong Kong in next week's blockbuster clash with China. The group Chi Sin Lo, 'Crazy Guys' in Cantonese, have around 900 members in a WhatsApp channel launched for the tournament. 'The football culture in Hong Kong is continuously growing,' Calvin Choi, a core Chi Sin Lo member, said. 'About 10 years ago, the [ultra] fans group was 10 people. If you stood up in the stadium, people would ask you to sit down and stop blocking their view. 'Hong Kong people love watching Barcelona or Manchester United, but you're shouting at the TV, the players don't know who you are. When they get in the stadium, they realise it's much more passionate than football on TV. It's happening in front of them. 'People are motivated by the environment. Following Hong Kong, you can talk with the players, and have selfies with them. They remember you. The connection is closer than anywhere else.'
