Participating in a Thai football match, the majority of will inform you, is a special experience which integrates official programs of shared regard together with a friendly, convivial feel.
Fans usually are not violent to each other (with a couple of noteworthy exceptions, such as Port’s video games with SCG Muang Thong United)– in truth rather the opposite.
Using another group’s t-shirt to a video game is not even a problem– something that is unthinkable in England, for instance.
Prior to the video game, gamers– immigrants and Thais alike– will stand respectfully for the Thai nationwide anthem.
At the end of the video game, despite ball game, gamers acknowledge all the fans– consisting of those of the opposition– and even wai the opposing group’s coach.
There is simply one, rather considerable, exception to this pleased situation.
Throughout the video game, behaviour from gamers– and even club personnel– can be downright despicable.
His blood-splattered face snarling, Chonburi’s Thiago Cunha ended up being the image of Thai football a couple of weeks back, following his rumpus with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol supervisor Tanawat Nitikanchana and among the club’s security personnel at half-time of their match in Ratchaburi.
Never ever mind the huge top of the table clash in between SCG Muang Thong United and Buriram United the following day.
All anybody might speak about, particularly those with simply a passing interest in the video game over here, was the event prompted by Cunha and his sprayed water bottle, which postponed the match for a complete 45 minutes.
Tanawat slapped the back of Cunha’s head after the Brazilian had actually splashed him with drinking water.
The Sharks’ striker then was assaulted by a guard.
The unsavoury scenes consequently caused a five-game restriction and 50,000 baht fine for Cunha, and a three-month touchline restriction and 60,000 baht fine for Tanawat.
While Cunha and Tanawat have actually been appropriately chastised for their conduct, the event is simply an amplified reflection of what is a weekly incident in the leading flight.
Players and personnel berating authorities, and each other, is prevalent.
Some groups and people are even worse than others, with ruling champs Muang Thong appearing terribly in this specific roll of dishonour.
Fantastic gamer though he is, Thailand star Theerathon Bunmathan has actually gotten a specific track record for petulance.
It appears that typically regard is simply for program, and when the action gets underway, all pretence can be forgotten. A reflection of the society we reside in maybe? Whatever, it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
NOT-SO SUPER-POWERED
In maybe among the most regrettable rebrandings in sporting history, towards completion of in 2015 what was previously Osotspa FC– called after their sponsors– ended up being Super Power Samut Prakan.
This season, Super Power have actually been anything however– their last 2 components including hammerings at the hands of Pattaya United (8-2) and Nakhon Ratchasima (5-0).
Their statistics total make grim reading. Simply one point from 23 video games up until now this season, with an objective distinction of minus 68. Eighty-five objectives yielded, simply 17 scored. 4 coaches and counting have actually supervised of the club.
Among those managers, Englishman Jason Withe, provided a little insight into what he acquired when he took control of the poisoned chalice midway through the very first half of the season.
The group had simply one recognized striker– out on long-lasting injury– and an aging team comprised of numerous aged over 35.
And when the striker will return from injury, he was offered.
Now dessert company Mae Kim Lai, which is popular for its khanom mor gaeng, appears set to take control of the club, with a transfer to Phetchaburi on the cards.
Their predicament generates compassion, however there has actually clearly been some persistent mismanagement behind the scenes.
Let’s hope their most current rebranding is rather less hyperbolic.
