Hong Kong fans hit back at ‘embarrassing' Westwood, want head coach axed despite record run
Hong Kong fans have doubled down on their criticism of Ashley Westwood after the head coach blasted them for demanding his dismissal on Thursday.
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
28 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
Lack of cash could see Hong Kong drop out as hosts of fencing World Cup
Hong Kong could be forced to withdraw as hosts of the FIE Women's Foil World Cup next year because of a lack of sponsors, sources have told the Post. Advertisement The three-day tournament, featuring individual and team events like this year's edition at AsiaWorld-Expo, is scheduled to run from January 9 to 11. However, securing financial backing has proved difficult in the current economic climate. 'We were awarded the rights by FIE but securing sponsors would be crucial and given the current economic environment, it's highly likely that we might not be able to get one,' a source said. 'It would be great if we could do it, but that being said, there are other priorities. 'First it's the National Games, then there is the FIE Junior Men's and Women's Epee World Cup, and there's also the all-important World Championships next July. The World Cup was the last thing to worry about.' Hong Kong's Kuan Yu-ching (right) against Ukraine's Anna Tarankeno. Photo: Dickson Lee Fencing at the National Games will run from November 15 to 20 at Kai Tak Arena, followed by the Junior Epee World Cup at AsiaWorld-Expo from November 28 to 30.
South China Morning Post
9 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Uzbekistan, Jordan savour sweet taste of success after making World Cup for first time
Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze lauded the efforts of his players but said 'this victory belongs to all of us' after the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time. In Jordan, meanwhile, huge celebrations erupted after the national team also qualified for the 2026 World Cup, earning their first-ever spot at the four-yearly football bonanza following a decisive 3-0 victory against Oman. While Uzbekistan and Jordan made history on Thursday, the pair will be joined by perennial participants South Korea, who also booked their place. Uzbekistan's White Wolves – ranked 57th in the world – claimed their spot with a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates, which guaranteed Kapadze's side a top-two finish in Group A, alongside already-qualified Iran. Uzbekistan have tried and failed to qualify seven times since their independence after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, suffering heartbreak in the final stage of continental qualifiers for Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014. A drone show in Amman to celebrate Jordan's qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: Xinhua A genuine force in Asia since their 1994 Asian Games triumph, the Uzbekistan FA has invested heavily in youth development in the attempt to take the final step onto the world stage.
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Former world champion Neil Robertson the third snooker star to become Hong Kong resident
Former world snooker champion Neil Robertson revealed on Friday that he and his family had acquired Hong Kong residency. The Australian, who made the announcement on his official Weibo account, becomes the third high-profile player to take advantage of the city's Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. England's seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and world No 1 Judd Trump have both previously become residents. In a post in simplified Chinese, Robertson wrote that he was 'very honoured that my whole family and I have obtained Hong Kong identity cards'. He added: 'This is not only a significant moment for me personally, but also an honour for our entire family. Hong Kong has always been my blessed land. I have achieved many great successes here and have forged a deep friendship with this city.' Neil Robertson called Hong Kong 'my blessed land' in a Weibo post. Photo: Dickson Lee In 2017, Robertson triumphed at the non-ranking Hong Kong Masters when he beat Mark Selby, Marco Fu Ka-chun and O'Sullivan at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
