The fire has upended the lives of many in the community. Police said the number of dead may still be revised as investigations continue. Over 4,000 residents of the complex were displaced and are living in temporary housing.
For Tai Po’s players, the match carried emotional weight far beyond football.
“I’ve lived in Tai Po for many years and always walk past the fire site. We practice at a nearby football pitch called Kwong Fuk, which is opposite the fire site,” said vice captain and goalie Tse Ka Wing.
“I have very mixed feelings (playing this match).”
Defender Lee Ka Ho said: “This match isn’t just about scoring points for our team. With the recent devastating fire in Tai Po, I was hoping to use the victory of the match to boost the morale of Tai Po.”
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping North District in second place and Tai Po in third in the Hong Kong Premier League standings.
North District, which hosted the match, said ticket revenue will be donated to the Wang Fuk Court support fund.
Tai Po FC similarly said it will donate ticket revenue from its upcoming final AFC home fixture against Vietnam’s Cong An Hanoi FC to residents affected by the fire.
Source: CNA
