The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday said that it was investigating “acts of violence” after two mass brawls and four red cards marred the men’s final of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Indonesia on Tuesday defeated Thailand 5-2 in extra-time in the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, in a match that saw clashes between players and coaches of both sides.
Thailand, who have since apologized and launched their own investigation, ended the bad-tempered final with eight players on the field.
Photo: AFP
One of those sent off was goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart after he ran half the length of the pitch to deliver a diving punch to an Indonesian opponent.
“The AFC is disappointed with the disorderly incidents at the SEA Games football final,” a spokesperson for the governing body for soccer in Asia said.
“The AFC underlines the importance of fair play, mutual respect and sportsmanship, and takes a zero tolerance approach towards all such acts of violence, which threaten the physical integrity of players and officials,” they said.
Men’s soccer at the biennial SEA Games is played between under-23 sides.
The final had been billed as a chance for Indonesia to restore some pride following a deadly stadium disaster and the loss of hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
However, the game would be remembered for the scenes that began in the 97th minute when Thailand — who had been 2-0 down — scored to make it 2-2 and force extra-time.
Thai officials celebrated their late leveler by running over to the Indonesia bench, prompting the first melee.
When Indonesia took the lead back early in extra-time, their officials returned the favor, with even more incendiary results.
Sumardji, a member of the team staff who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told TVOne that their players “returned the provocation and I chased them and shouted: ‘Don’t.’”
“But suddenly I got hit here [in the mouth] and I fell down,” he said.
Kicks were landed as well as punches. Both teams had a player sent off, and members of their coaching staff were also dismissed.
As the Thai team’s discipline crumbled, another two of their players were sent off during extra-time for second yellow cards.
The Football Association (FA) of Thailand said it would punish anyone found to have been in the wrong.
“The FA of Thailand must apologize for the clash on the touchline,” it said in a statement, adding it would “set up a committee to investigate those involved as soon as possible and will take decisive measures.”
The chairman of the Football Association of Indonesia pointed the finger at Thailand.
“Sometimes we got provoked and then we fell into it,” Erick Thohir told Metro TV.
“I warned earlier that this is a provocation, they wanted us to lose. We were beaten, trampled on and cheated,” he said.
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