What would have been an exciting preseason friendly for Inter Miami in Hong Kong turned into chaos as angry Hong Kong fans protest the absence of Lionel Messi from the game.
Messi was benched in the friendly against a Local League XI due to an injury but protesting fans did not have it as they insisted the World Cup winner should be played or their money be refunded.
According to reports, the protesting fans numbering over 40,000 and they were all asking for a refund since Lionel Messi did not play.
The owner of Inter Miami and Manchester United legend David Beckham tried to calm nerves but was booed down by jeers and swipes.
Details of the incident shows the fans were not to be blame as they were assured by the organizers of the match and the Hong Kong government that Lionel Messi will play the match for at least 45 minutes.
"We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy," Yeung said.
"Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out."
The government's major sports events committee (MSEC) added: "Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers' arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation."
A near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium had each paid more then 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket.
But Messi did not feature, while Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who joined Inter Miami in December, also missed the match, with a knee injury..
Beckham was drowned out by jeers when he tried to thank supporters for their "incredible support" at the final whistle.
Messi suffered a muscle injury was be benched through the game.
Messi was benched in the friendly against a Local League XI due to an injury but protesting fans did not have it as they insisted the World Cup winner should be played or their money be refunded.
According to reports, the protesting fans numbering over 40,000 and they were all asking for a refund since Lionel Messi did not play.
The owner of Inter Miami and Manchester United legend David Beckham tried to calm nerves but was booed down by jeers and swipes.
Details of the incident shows the fans were not to be blame as they were assured by the organizers of the match and the Hong Kong government that Lionel Messi will play the match for at least 45 minutes.
"We immediately requested them to explore other remedies, such as Messi appearing on the field to interact with his fans and receiving the trophy," Yeung said.
"Unfortunately, as you all see, this did not work out."
The government's major sports events committee (MSEC) added: "Regarding Messi not playing the match today, the government, as well as all football fans, are extremely disappointed about the organisers' arrangement. The organiser owes all football fans an explanation."
A near-capacity crowd of 38,323 at Hong Kong Stadium had each paid more then 1,000 Hong Kong dollars (£101) for a ticket.
But Messi did not feature, while Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who joined Inter Miami in December, also missed the match, with a knee injury..
Beckham was drowned out by jeers when he tried to thank supporters for their "incredible support" at the final whistle.
Messi suffered a muscle injury was be benched through the game.