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TAIPEI - THOUSANDS took to Taipei's streets on Sunday in support of a disqualified taekwondo fighter in a row that has fired public emotions and caught the interest of Taiwan's politicians.
Some held signs condemning the Asian Taekwondo Union (ATU) while others clad in taekwondo kit carried placards supporting Yang Shu Chun, who was thrown out off the Asian Games after she was found wearing illegal sensors on her socks.
The march was organised by the ruling Kuomintang party on behalf of Taipei Mayor Hau Lung Pin who is seeking another four-year term on Nov 27.
Hundreds of thousands have joined Facebook campaigns in support of the disbarred athlete in a society that had taken the martial art to its heart as a means of breaking its international isolation.
The spat escalated when the ATU website was attacked by hackers after it carried a statement which condemned the athlete for a 'shocking act of deception' even though an official inquiry was pending.
Taiwan's government demanded an apology for the statement and the disqualification, claiming it was unjust. -- AFP