Fifa fines HK over China anthem booing

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) has been fined $40,000 Hong Kong dollars ($5,160; £3,400) after its fans booed the Chinese national anthem during a match last month.

An object was also thrown onto the pitch during the World Cup qualifier against Qatar.

The anthem has been shared by Hong Kong and mainland China since the former returned to Beijing's control in 1997.

Governing body Fifa had previously warned the HKFA over booing incidents.

Anti-Beijing feeling has increased in Hong Kong in the wake of large pro-democracy protests last year.

Noting that the object thrown on the pitch was an aggravating factor in the punishment, spokeswoman for the HKFA Sarah Lee said: "We will try our best to avoid such incidents in future."

"We don't plan to punish fans. What we'll focus on is to encourage them not to boo," Ms Lee added, stressing that the football association wanted to encourage a positive atmosphere in which fans cheered the home team.

Hong Kong's next international match is against Myanmar on 7 November, followed by a home game against mainland China on 17 November.