Chen Kuei-jen, a former head coach of the Taiwan men's national football team, was removed from Parramatta Stadium on Tuesday night during a Women's Asian Cup match after leading fans in chants referring to 'Taiwan'. The incident occurred as Taiwan faced India in their final group stage match.
Witnesses reported that Chen encouraged a small group of fans to chant loudly, creating a lively atmosphere in the largely empty stadium. Stadium security initially asked him to sit down, which he did while continuing to chant. However, officials later told him he could only use the team's official name, 'Chinese Taipei', leading to his removal.
Video footage shows an officer informing Chen that he was not allowed to sing 'political chants'. The officer added, 'This is what I've been told. If you want to take it up with the AFC later, you can.' Police were called to escort Chen from the stadium.
Tiffany Chen, a Taiwanese fan present, expressed frustration: 'We're Taiwanese people, not Chinese Taipei people. With all the geopolitical history and tensions, there's a reason why we have to compete as Chinese Taipei, but how can you censor a whole group of people chanting the name of their country?' She noted that flags and shirts with 'Taiwan' had already been confiscated.
Beijing claims Taiwan as a province, while Taiwan's democratically elected government rejects Chinese rule. In a social media post, Chen Kuei-jen said 'everything is fine' and thanked fans for support. Taiwan's football Instagram account later showed Chen leading the same chant with players after their 3-1 win.
Taiwanese politician Lee Po-yi said he would contact Taiwan's ministry of sport and the Australian embassy for an explanation. The Asian Football Confederation declined to comment, while the local organising committee said it is investigating.
