Asian Games staff stopped fans holding towels reading “Taiwan” in the baseball semifinals against China, prompting a Japanese city councilor to issue a formal petition in support of the athletes and spectators.

Taiwan, striving for their first Asian Games baseball gold medal in 20 years, faced China in the semifinals last Friday. Toward the end of the game a dispute erupted in the stands as event staff reportedly asked fans from Taiwan to stop displaying towels with “Taiwan” printed on them. Spectators, dissatisfied with how the situation was handled, rallied to chant “Team Taiwan.”

Following the incident, Kobe City Councilor Norihiro Uehata notified followers on Threads that he had formally submitted a petition to the Japanese government to clarify the handling of Taiwanese athletes and spectators.

Uehata said he understands that international sporting events must adhere to the rules set by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) but insisted that the implementation of such rules must not harm Taiwanese people’s dignity and identity. They should not make them feel that even their feelings for Taiwan are being denied, Uehata wrote.

The petition outlines five demands, including confirming the measures taken against Taiwanese athletes, related personnel, and spectators; determining whether any of those actions harmed their dignity and identity; and requiring the organizing committee and the OCA to fully respect Taiwanese athletes and spectators.

It also calls for clarification of the purpose and scope of rules established by the OCA and other international sports organizations, arguing that overly broad interpretations could restrict legitimate expressions of support by Taiwanese spectators.

Uehata is calling for swift corrections to prevent similar incidents from happening again. He said sports should transcend national, regional, linguistic, and cultural differences, promoting mutual understanding and friendship.