Thailand has suspended two players and three coaching staff for their involvement in chaotic brawls during the SEA Games 32 football finals last week.
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) had tasked Police Lieutenant General Amnuay Nimmano to lead the investigation into the incident. FAT announced the results of the investigation on Tuesday.
Goalkeeping coach Prasadchok Chokmoh, assistant coach Phatrawut Wongsripuek, and coaching staffer Mayid Madada were all suspended from working Thai football teams for a year.
Newspaper Thairath said the three were suspended for violating FAT regulations and the code of ethics and standards in sports.
Two players who were also involved in the brawls, goalkeeper Sohonwit Rakyath and substitute Teerapak Pruengna, will not be allowed to play for Thai teams at any level for six months. FAT said the players received lighter penalties because they were still young and issued apologies after the game.
In the SEA Games 32 final match, Indonesia were leading 2-1 when Thailand’s Yotsakorn Burapha scored just before the final whistle. Thai players and coaching staff then provoked Indonesia, which set off a brawl on the pitch.
When Indonesia’s Irfan Jauhari made it 3-2 in extra time, his team then provoked Thailand, which led to an even more intense fight. The referee gave five red cards to members of both teams, with one of them going to Thai keeper Rakyath.
Indonesia, with more men on the field, scored two more goals to seal a 5-2 victory and win the SEA Games gold medal for the first time in history.
Thailand were later criticized for starting the brawl and unsportsmanlike conduct.
At the moment, neither the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nor the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) have issued any punishment to those involved in the incident.
