The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has officially announced the punishment of players and coaching staff who participated in a scuffle with the U-22 Indonesia squad in the final of the 32nd SEA Games men's football.
In a post on FAT’s Facebook page on Tuesday, it said Teerapak Prueangna and goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart have been suspended from playing in the national team for six months and three coaching staff were suspended from duty at all levels of the Thai team for one year.
FAT said that the penalty was taken after the Ethics Investigation Committee was formed following the brawls during the football match against Indonesia on May 16 in Phnom Penh’s Olympic Stadium.
The incident has been continuously reported by local and international media, and has been of interest to people both domestically and internationally. Some claim it has damaged the image of the Thai football industry and Thailand.
The statement said that the Committee, chaired by Pol. Lt. Gen. Amnuay Nimmano, has been collecting evidence since May 18 and completed its investigation on May 22.
The statement added that besides acting as a coach for football players or performing other duties according to the responsibility of the football team, those with knowledge, experience, age, qualifications and maturity, must have a duty to supervise the behavior and conduct of football players as well.
