A Liverpool fan in Hong Kong was reportedly suspected of supporting Hong Kong independence under China's controversial new laws for the islands by shouting 'long live Liverpool'.
Taking effect on Tuesday night, a new "anti-protest" law imposed by Beijing makes activities deemed subversive or secessionist punishable by imprisonment.
It is seen as targeting anti-government demonstrations which have been held in Hong Kong.
As protesters gathered at Causeway Bay metro station, a man reportedly yelled 'long live Liverpool' causing police to rush towards him.
Police were said to have demanded to know what the man, who was apparently wearing a Liverpool t-shirt, was chanting.
He was then said to have been checked by police who began to search him. They reportedly released him after 10 minutes.
Speaking to In-media, the man said police said they suspected him of inciting Hong Kong independence.
He told them he had been a Liverpool fan for 30 years and was celebrating his team winning the Premier League.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has accused China of a "clear and serious violation" of a treaty forged with the UK by imposing national security legislation on Hong Kong.
The Cabinet member said the UK will "honour" its commitment to citizens of the former British colony, which could extend the right of nearly three million people to come to the UK.
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Mr Raab on Wednesday said Beijing had breached the Joint Declaration signed between the UK and China to protect freedoms in the territory by enacting the controversial legislation.
His statement came after Hong Kong police made their first arrests under the law, including one person said to have displayed a sign with the Union Jack and calling for Hong Kong's independence.
More than 70 arrests were made in Hong Kong on Wednesday, which marked 23 years since the handover.
