Tai Po footballers pay tribute to Hong Kong fire victims during match in Sydney
Match in Australia a day after the tragedy sees Tai Po players observe a minute’s silence and wear black armbands
Tai Po footballers paid tribute to the victims of the fire that has devastated their community as their match against Macarthur went ahead in Australia on Thursday.
Players were visibly moved during a minute’s silence held in Sydney for the tragedy, which as of Thursday evening had claimed at least 65 lives.
Black armbands were worn by last season’s Hong Kong Premier League winners as they contested the AFC Champions League Two match 24 hours after the deadly blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court.
Tai Po goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing, defender Gabriel Cividini and forward Michel Renner were emotional during the pre-match silence at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, while some travelling supporters were moved to tears.
The visiting side somehow gathered themselves to deliver a committed performance in a 2-1 defeat.
Igor Sartori opted against celebrating after he gave Tai Po a 24th-minute lead, instead clasping his hands together in prayer.