The department apologized to those affected by the "unreasonable" arrangement, adding that it has ordered LCSD staff to operate sprinkler systems based on the actual situation.

A spokesman for the department said bookings were made for 3pm to 6pm and that the sprinkler system was scheduled to be turned on at 6:07pm. But players had to extend their time slot as the match started late, causing them to get caught in the showers.

"All venue personnel have been reminded to maintain close communication with the event organizer to avoid similar incidents from happening again," the spokesman said.

The blunder forced the two teams to determine the winner by a penalty shootout.

Online users lambasted the LCSD for its management of the pitch.

"The LCSD is trash," said a commenter. "The MVP [Most Valuable Player] of this match has to be the LCSD," said another sarcastically.

Saint Joseph's College took the championship at the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Secondary School A Grade Division 1 final against Diocesan Boys' School in a penalty decider.

SJC equalized at 1-1 in the second half with a header and, with the momentum, came close to scoring a second goal, before the sprinklers went off in the final minute of the match.

Players took turns from the penalty line in 13-degree weather under the mist of the sprinklers, until Saint Joseph's goalkeeper Cheung Kwai-wah blocked a low and hard kick from a DBS player, sealing the school's first championship in 17 years with a score of 5-4.

"It was really cold and windy. I wasn't feeling too good. But the other side was affected too," Cheung said of the challenging situation.