Following the SEA Games Football Final Riot, Thailand and Indonesia Can Be Subject to AFC Sanctions

– The Indonesian and Thai teams may receive sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the code of ethics and discipline as a result of the commotion between the two sides in the 2023 SEA Games ball final at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Tuesday (16/05/2023).

This was revealed by the Secretary General of the Cambodian Football Federation (FFC), Keo Sareth to Reuters.

“Issues that occur on the pitch will be handled by the match officials and they are preparing a report to be sent to the AFC so that they (both sides) may face punishment regarding the code of conduct and discipline,” said Keo Sareth.

As reported, the commotion started from outside the field, namely from the substitute bench and officials.

In the first round, the U-22 Indonesian national team won 2-0 through braces Ramadhan Santana. But in the second half Thailand was able to equalize at injury time.

The first goal for the Thai national team was created by Anan Yodsangwal’s header. The number 11 player scored a goal in the 64th minute.

The first commotion that made the security forces have to intervene was in the seconds before the end of the normal time match. The Indonesian side had bowed down in gratitude when the referee Matar Ali Al Hatmi blew the whistle right in the minutes of extra time.

But it turned out that the whistle was a sign of a foul. And from Thailand’s free kick there was an equalizing goal in the 90 + 7th minute.

Substitute number 9, Yotsakon Burapha, broke into the Indonesian goal, which was guarded by goalkeeper Ernando Ari, so the score changed to 2-2.

The situation was quite emotional in the Thai camp because they avoided defeat. Like other players, Yotsakon’s celebration reached the athletics track, approaching the stands. This did not result in an incident.

However, it was precisely the official celebration of the Thai camp that seemed excessive. Several officials ran to the reserve bench for the Indonesian camp.

The incident occurred when the Indonesian U-22 national team faced Thailand in the 2023 SEA Games final.

The Titan with the number 18 back was then lunged at by a blue-shirt Thai reserve, but Titan then hit back with a punch.

The commotion did not last long. Indonesian field officers and officials were able to intervene. Meanwhile on the gridiron, the match at normal time ended when the referee Matar Ali Al Hatmi blew the long whistle.

The ensuing commotion was even worse until the manager of the Indonesian National Team, Sumardji, fell over. The commotion this time was sparked by the Indonesian side’s celebration when Irfan Jauhari managed to break into the Thai goal guarded by goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart in the 91st minute.

This commotion made Matar Ali Al Hatmi, a referee from Oman, have to issue five red cards. Indonesian defender Komang Teguh and Thai goalkeeper Soponwit were sent off.

Soponwit was seen running from the penalty box to the area of ​​commotion then jumping and kicking Komang Teguh. Komang then replied. The incident occurred in front of the referee.

The next two red cards were addressed to two Thai officials and one red card to an Indonesian official. Referee Matar Ali Al Hatmi was confused about which Indonesian official would receive a red card. The assistant referee is also looking for officials who will receive a red card. It is not clear who the Indonesian official who was sent off was sent off.

Secretary General of the FFC, Keo Sareth, forgave the commotion. “We have no problems with either side and as hosts we have fully and successfully hosted the game,” he said.

Meanwhile, the AFC, in a statement to Reuterssaid that they were investigating the incident.

“The AFC is disappointed by the disorderly incident at the SEA Games football final. The AFC underlines the importance of fair play, mutual respect and sportsmanship and takes a zero tolerance approach to all such acts of violence,” a spokesperson said.

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