PROTESTERS were kicked out of the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Guangzhou Lions. AFP

Philadelphia (AFP) — A sign-waving couple, who yelled “Free Hong Kong” repeatedly near the bench of a Chinese team at a pre-season NBA game, was removed by security for disturbing fans, the Philadelphia 76ers said.

Sam Wachs and his wife were escorted out of Wells Fargo Arena during the second quarter of Tuesday’s 144-86 victory by the Sixers over the Guangzhou Lions after security guards confiscated their “Free HK” and “Free Hong Kong” signs during the first quarter.

“We were just sitting on our seats near the Chinese bench,” Wachs told Philadelphia television station WCAU. “We were saying, ‘Free Hong Kong.’ What’s wrong with that?”

Plenty, according to the Sixers, who said the fans were removed for being a disruption, not the content of their message.

“At last evening’s game, following multiple complaints from guests and verbal confrontations with others in attendance, two individuals were warned by Wells Fargo Center staff about their continuing disruption of the fan experience,” the 76ers said.

“Ultimately, the decision was made by Wells Fargo Center personnel to remove the guests from the premises, which was accomplished without incident.”

It comes in the wake of a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters who have taken to the streets since June in protest of a proposed extradition law that would have sent suspects to China to face trial.

Since then, Chinese business and government leaders have pulled sponsorships of the NBA and backed off support for exhibition games set for this week in China involving the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Australian Ben Simmons scored 21 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed off seven assists to lead the 76ers while Canadian Andrew Nicholson paced the Lions with 36 points.

Guangzhou will play Wednesday in Washington.

The 76ers hosted more than 40 youth from China on a cultural visit to the United States earlier this year, the tour including a chance to meet former 76er World B. Free.