A 33-year-old Hua Hin defender, Songkran Puangnoi, has been dismissed from his club following his violent act of punching a referee during a Thai third-division match on March 2nd. His aggressive behavior not only led to his dismissal but also put him at risk of severe penalties from the Football Association of Thailand.
How Did the Incident Unfold?
The match between Hua Hin and Rajpracha in the Thai third division was highly tense. In the final minutes of the first half, with Rajpracha leading 3-0, one of their players fell to the ground after a tackle. The referee had to halt play to attend to the injured player.
However, Songkran Puangnoi suspected the opposing player’s fall was a deliberate attempt to delay the game. This suspicion sparked his anger, leading him to kick the opposing player and receive a red card.
The incident escalated further. The player then grabbed the referee’s collar and punched him in the face. Consequently, Srithai Bookok of Rajpracha suffered a serious eye injury and was hospitalized.
Severe Consequences and Football Association Intervention
Songkran Puangnoi’s violent act sparked widespread outrage. Rajpracha submitted a complaint to the police and filed a lawsuit against the player for assault. Hua Hin club also issued an apology to Rajpracha, the referee, and the injured player. Songkran Puangnoi himself apologized on social media, acknowledging his lack of self-control.
However, the fact that he’s a police officer only fueled public anger even further. Madam Pang, President of the Football Association of Thailand, ordered an urgent investigation into the matter.
Penalties for the Offence
Reports from Thai media suggest that offenses damaging the image of Thai football often result in severe punishments. Penalties typically include a 2 to 4 match ban and fines ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 baht (approximately $1,000 to $1,500 USD). However, considering the aggressive nature of the act and the serious impact of the incident, Songkran Puangnoi may face even harsher penalties.
Hua Hin club has already dismissed the player, a stern punishment for his egregious offense.
Significant Impact on Thai Football’s Image
This incident has created a significant stir in Thai football circles and has tarnished the reputation of the league. Songkran Puangnoi’s actions demonstrate a lack of control and highlight the need for stricter measures to maintain discipline and professionalism among professional players.
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