Host Hong Kong a winner in Premier League Asia Trophy
Liverpool took home the title but Hong Kong also won praise for organising the tournament, and this time the pitch held up well, too
There was much at stake when Hong Kong hosted the Premier League Asia Trophy last week – and not just for the top English teams competing. The last time the city hosted the tournament, four years ago, the poor state of the Hong Kong Stadium pitch attracted criticism and made international headlines. At the time, it was difficult to imagine Hong Kong being trusted to stage the competition again. This time, heavy rain ahead of the tournament interrupted preparations and prompted fears of another embarrassment. But the HK$30 million invested in a new drainage system for the pitch was money well spent.
The playing surface held up as Liverpool, Leicester City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace did battle. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore both praised the organisers.
The competition provided Asian fans with a rare opportunity to see their footballing heroes in the flesh. Tickets for the matches sold out in record time, with Liverpool enjoying the majority of local support. The trip gave the teams a precious opportunity to give something back to their supporters in the region. And they didn’t disappoint.
