Unfit and unsafe: Kitchee team captain laments ‘terrible’ artificial turf in Hong Kong

Kitchee Women's Team Captain Vicky Chung Pui-ki viewed Hong Kong’s artificial turf as a safety issue, after two of the city’s women's football league matches over the past weekend were axed due to poor turf conditions.

The two matches - Kitchee vs Shatin and Tai Po vs Chelsea FC Soccer School (HK) - originally slated to be played at Po Tsui Park in Tseung Kwan O on the night of November 4, were axed after match officials found conditions of the turf unsafe to proceed with the game.

Uneven surfaces were found across the field, while part of the artificial turf was visibly peeling off.

Following the inspection, match officials decided to cancel the first game between Kitchee and Shatin - 10 minutes ahead of the 9 pm kickoff time. Both teams having already arrived at the pitch were forced to pack their stuff and leave.

Speaking in an interview, Chung said the poor turf conditions would certainly be a safety issue for the players.

“If the players tripped over by the loose turf, they could be stepped on by other players,” she said.

She also noted that the artificial football turfs opened to the public were badly maintained.

“It seems that there was minimum maintenance for the artificial football turfs. After each session, there are no staff members repairing the pitch…seems like they are taking the approach that the teams are expected to use the pitch as long as there is an opening, regardless of its condition,” said Chung, adding that they often found the pitch in bad shape.

According to official documents, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department carries out maintenance for the artificial football turf once every four to six weeks on average.

When asked to comment on the case, Hong Kong Football Association Chief Pui Kwan-kay agreed that authorities should strengthen their maintenance of the pitches.

“Now that people have raised concerns about the pitches’ maintenance, they should improve their management,” said Pui, adding that the association will maintain dialogue with the LCSD over the issue.