Hundreds wearing ‘Stand With Hong Kong’ shirts attend NBA game in protest

Hundreds of demonstrators wearing “Stand With Hong Kong” T-shirts attended an NBA game Friday night in Brooklyn to protest the league and show support for Chinese pro-democracy activists.

Producer and activist Andrew Duncan bought 300 tickets for protesters to attend the Brooklyn Nets game against the Toronto Raptors, according to reporter Yashar Ali.

1. Producer and activist Andrew Duncan bought 300 tickets to tonight’s Nets vs Raptors game and is hosting hundreds of Chinese pro-Democracy activists to protest the NBA.

They’re all wearing “Stand With Hong Kong” t-shirts pic.twitter.com/pIcUwSLaPB

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) October 19, 2019

2. Hong Kong politician and activist Nathan Law at the Nets Vs Raptors game wearing the “Stand With Hong Kong” t-shirt pic.twitter.com/k7QTe6lmMi

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) October 19, 2019

3. Pro-democracy protestors at the Nets game. All wearing “Stand With Hong Kong” t-shirts. pic.twitter.com/RcgVafQ9WN

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) October 19, 2019

The NBA is facing criticism over its handling of a now-deleted tweet from Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey, who expressed solidarity with pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.{mosads}

Morey’s tweet infuriated the Chinese government and millions of NBA fans in the country. The comments prompted Chinese state television to refuse to air NBA games, and a slew of Chinese businesses have blacklisted or cut ties with the league.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has also faced heavy criticism — from fans and lawmakers alike — for his initial response to Morey’s tweet in which he called it “regrettable.” He has since voiced his support for Morey and the right to free speech.