Thailand apologizes for brawl in SEA Games final
"We apologize to the audience who came to the stadium and fans around the world," FAT wrote in a statement issued this afternoon on May 17. "The incident caused serious damage to the Thai football team".
FAT was disappointed when members of the coaching staff considered to represent the Federation engaged in a melee with Indonesia. FAT will set up a disciplinary committee to thoroughly investigate the incident, see who initiated and who participated in the incident before imposing heavy penalties.
"There will be no tolerance or immunity for anyone who commits wrongdoing," the FAT stressed. "The investigation committee will work as soon as the U22 team returns home."
At the end of the announcement, FAT once again expressed its regret to Thai football fans, Thai people and all related people affected by the incident. FAT is ready to listen to suggestions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The drama and professional quality of the 32nd SEA Games final was overshadowed by two scuffles between the two teams towards the end of the match. In the ninth minute of the second half, Thailand equalized 2-2 thanks to Yotsakorn.
Many members ran to the Indonesian technical area to celebrate and provoke, leading to the first fight. The draw in official time caused the two teams to play extra time. Right in the 91st minute, Thai defender Songchai Thongcham made a mistake for Irfan Jauhari to click the ball over goalkeeper Soponwit's head to raise the score to 3-2. At this time, a member of the Indonesian training team ran to the Thai technical area to celebrate the response, opening a second melee. The head of the Indonesian delegation Kombes Sumardji who came to intervene also became a victim of the beating.
Nearly 30 security personnel had to intervene for a long time to restore order. The referee then drew three direct red cards for Thailand and two for Indonesia, including goalkeeper Soponwit of Thailand and midfielder Komang Agung of Indonesia. As the game continued, midfielder Jonathan Khemdee and Thai striker Teerasak Poeiphimai respectively received a second yellow card, which meant they were sent off.
The match ended with a score of 5-2 in favor of Indonesia, in the 10v8 position against Thailand. For the whole match, the referee must draw seven red cards and 17 yellow cards.
