Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was booed and indignant followers chanted for a refund after Lionel Messi didn’t play in a pre-season pleasant in Hong Kong.
Messi, who has been struggling with a hamstring damage, was left on the bench as his aspect beat a Hong Kong XI 4-1.
In footage posted on social media, followers might be heard chanting “refund” earlier than a post-match speech from Beckham was greeted with boos.
Soccer followers in Hong Kong booed Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and chanted for a “refund” after Lionel Messi — who’s coping with a hamstring damage — and Luis Suárez didn’t play in a pleasant match on Sunday. https://t.co/Vu72DI6kdR pic.twitter.com/gvGGmJoy7j
— ABC Information (@ABC) February 4, 2024
The Hong Kong authorities stated match organisers Tatler Asia may face a discount in funding.
“The Authorities at present expressed deep disappointment over Messi not taking part in at Tatler XFEST Hong Kong, Hong Kong Crew vs Inter Miami CF, and the organiser failing to offer an in depth clarification promptly,” the federal government stated in an announcement.
“The occasion has been awarded “M” Mark standing, in addition to an identical grant of 15 million [Hong Kong dollars; £1.5m] and a grant for venue of 1 million by The Main Sports activities Occasions Committee (MSEC).
“The Authorities has additionally supplied quite a lot of coordination and help, together with venue association and crowd administration, in an effort to provide soccer followers a beautiful recreation and a possibility to witness the world-class participant showcasing his abilities.
“Many Hong Kong followers regarded ahead to the match with enthusiasm, and quite a lot of vacationers got here to Hong Kong significantly for the match.
“The Authorities, in addition to all soccer followers, are extraordinarily disenchanted that Messi may neither play within the pleasant match, nor clarify to the followers in individual upon request.
“The best way that the organiser and Inter Miami CF dealt with the state of affairs couldn’t meet the expectations of the followers who confirmed sturdy help to Messi, particularly these guests who got here all the way in which right here for the match.
“The Tradition, Sports activities and Tourism Bureau and the MSEC will depend on the phrases and circumstances of the settlement in requiring the organiser to take duty, together with a discount of the quantity of funding on account of Messi being not capable of play within the match.”
