Hong Kong fans hit back at ‘embarrassing' Westwood, want head coach axed despite record run
Advertisement
The row was ignited following Westwood's decision to leave uncapped striker Lau Chi-lok out of his latest squad.
Supporters booed the Englishman before
Hong Kong's 0-0 draw against Nepal , then chanted 'Westwood out' following the final whistle.
The Hong Kong boss was understandably taken aback by the ferocity of feeling towards him, given he has overseen a record nine-match unbeaten run. The 48-year-old, who has been in charge for nine months, accused his critics of
'knowing nothing about football' , adding that they should stay away from Hong Kong matches if they do not intend to back the team and coach.
Most fans who posted on the Football Association of Hong Kong, China's (HKFA) social media channels following the Nepal stalemate were in no mood to call a truce, however.
A number of supporters are embroiled in a row with head coach Ashley Westwood. Photo: Elson Li
'Someone offer Westwood a free drive to the airport, please, get him out of HK. Stop embarrassing yourself Westwood,' one said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
NBA half-time star Red Panda suffers wrist fracture, back for next season
Good news, basketball fans: Red Panda intends to be ready for next season. The popular performer who fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court during half-time of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, has a broken left wrist and will need further consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, her representatives said on Wednesday. Red Panda – whose real name is Rong Niu – spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital, with a pair of Lynx staffers there with her the entire time, agent Patrick Figley said. The Chinese-American acrobat was heading home for treatment and recovery, which should take a few months. 'She is very grateful,' Figley said. 'Red Panda thanks everyone for all the kind wishes and support. It means the world to her.' The fall was caused by part of her unicycle being damaged during transit, Figley said. The Fever won the game in Minneapolis, and during their postgame locker room celebration, Indiana star Caitlin Clark was among those – on teammate Sydney Colson's live stream on Instagram – to send Red Panda well-wishes.
South China Morning Post
4 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
NBA half-time star Red Panda suffers wrist fracture, back for next season
Good news, basketball fans: Red Panda intends to be ready for next season. The popular performer who fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court during half-time of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, has a broken left wrist and will need further consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, her representatives said on Wednesday. Red Panda – whose real name is Rong Niu – spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital, with a pair of Lynx staffers there with her the entire time, agent Patrick Figley said. The Chinese-American acrobat was heading home for treatment and recovery, which should take a few months. 'She is very grateful,' Figley said. 'Red Panda thanks everyone for all the kind wishes and support. It means the world to her.' The fall was caused by part of her unicycle being damaged during transit, Figley said. The Fever won the game in Minneapolis, and during their postgame locker room celebration, Indiana star Caitlin Clark was among those – on teammate Sydney Colson's live stream on Instagram – to send Red Panda well-wishes.
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong needs more than Kai Tak venue to realise mega-event dreams
The opening of Kai Tak Sports Park has given a substantial boost to the city's bid to become a leading centre for hosting top international events. Hundreds of thousands of spectators have flocked to the venue in the last four months to enjoy an impressive selection of performances. But the impact of the new complex, with its 50,000-seat stadium and indoor arena, on other venues must be considered. There is a need to adapt. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has revealed there will be a repositioning of locations it manages and a shake-up of booking arrangements. Hong Kong Coliseum, in Hung Hom, is famous for Cantopop concerts, but sports events made up more than a fifth of successful applications to hire it last year. The venue is set to host a basketball competition in the National Games in November and an international table tennis tournament in December. In future, priority will be given to concerts rather than sport, giving the 12,500-seat location a clearer identity. The move should open up much-needed slots for local performers, who struggle to book it. Only 37 applications out of 220 last year were granted, and there have been complaints pop stars have repeatedly been rejected. Sha Tin Town Hall will, under the plans, focus on Cantonese opera, providing welcome new opportunities for professional troupes. Fans are still reeling from the closure of the much-loved Sunbeam Theatre , even though it has found a new location. Efforts to promote and develop Cantonese opera must continue. The East Kowloon Cultural Centre in Kowloon Bay, set to fully open by the end of the year, will feature long-running performances and art technology, broadening the city's entertainment scene. It makes sense to differentiate between venues, adjusting to the Kai Tak era. But the booking process must be accessible, transparent and fair, with clear criteria.
