Editorial | Back to the drawing board for Hong Kong football after loss to Singapore
The team must lick its wounds and learn from the defeat so it can deliver for the fans and the city
The Lions now head to the finals for the first time since hosting them in 1984. We wish them good luck. But for Hong Kong, the devastating defeat means the team must go back to the drawing board.
The loss sparked renewed calls from fans for the dismissal of English coach Ashley Westwood. Even Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui commented, saying there should be serious reflection.
Sources have told the Post he is set to depart. This has not yet been confirmed or denied by the Football Association of Hong Kong, China. There is a need for the position to be clarified so that the team can lick its wounds, learn from the defeat and bounce back.
The players can take heart from recent big attendances at Kai Tak Stadium and the passionate support of the fans.
Singapore’s acting sports minister David Neo was caught on video describing Hong Kong supporters as “idiots”. The remarks were made in the heat of the moment. But they were unacceptable. He has now taken them back, apologised to the government, and – rightly – said he should have been more respectful.