China News Service, February 6 (Xinhua) -- Inter Miami played a friendly match against Hong Kong, China, at the Hong Kong Stadium on the 4th. The well-known star Messi, who has attracted much attention from fans, did not appear, causing dissatisfaction among fans. The SAR government expressed its extreme disappointment. Hong Kong SAR Legislative Council member Fok Kai-kang posted a long post on social platforms on the 6th, saying that Hong Kong’s careful arrangements for the arrival of the team have been severely trampled on, and said that if there is no respect behind the popularity, it will dissipate quickly. He said that in this incident, Inter Miami still owes Hong Kong fans an explanation and apology.
The picture shows Messi (front) walking out of the tunnel before the game. Photo by China News Service reporter Hou Yu
Fok Qigang said that in order to receive the "King of Football", the Hong Kong Airport Authority made special arrangements and held a welcome ceremony on the tarmac. The high-standard treatment is to hope that the team can feel the enthusiasm of the city of Hong Kong and the respect of the citizens for the arrival of foreign guests. However, the players left the field before the ceremony was over and were indifferent to the call of the emcee. I don't know if the players didn't understand or couldn't hear, so they hurriedly boarded the bus. The scene was an uproar. "I was very disappointed watching the live broadcast, and I was also embarrassed for the guests and the host. The careful arrangements we had made for the arrival of the team were severely trampled on, which is regrettable."
Huo Qigang mentioned that he has been involved in sports public service for many years and has also served as the leader of large and small delegations. He understands that as a manager or person in charge, the health and protection of athletes are always the first consideration, but how to respond and handle crises is also important. ring. "I don't know Messi's physical condition, and I don't have the professional qualifications to comment on whether he should play, but if I were Messi, I know that the 40,000 fans here are here for me, and this is not an official game of international standards. It’s just an exhibition game, so I will choose to take the initiative to speak out, even shake hands with the audience, and send autographed jerseys to thank the fans for their support.” He said that he didn’t know whether this approach was too difficult for the “King of Football” or because he Too popular, too sought after, numb to the cheers? Messi's past achievements in the football world are unquestionable and deserve our respect. However, the way this game was handled, I believe Hong Kong fans did not feel respected.
Huo Qigang said that Inter Miami as a team should cherish every opportunity to play, leave the best impression on the fans every time, and respect everyone who comes to support them every time. What fans pursue is not only the stars who join at sky-high prices, but what fans respect is the team's love and investment in football and its contribution to football. Inter Miami is still a long way from becoming a "century-old club". I hope it will not forget its original intention to participate in football and not just participate in football to make money.
He emphasized that his position on this incident remains the same - Inter Miami still owes Hong Kong fans an explanation and apology. At the same time, he hopes that the event organizer Tatler can consider a suitable plan to give fans, tourists and Hong Kong citizens a reasonable explanation and show due respect.
Screenshot of Huo Qigang's social media.