In December 2024, Theerathon Bunmathan, a star footballer from Thailand, caused a stir when he engaged in unsportsmanlike behavior during a match between Buriram United (Thailand) and Johor Darul Tazim (Malaysia) at the AFC Champions League Elite. This incident not only tarnished his personal image but also sparked controversy within the Southeast Asian football community.
Theerathon Bunmathan was caught grabbing his opponent’s groin on the field.
Controversial Unsportsmanlike Behavior
The notable incident occurred near the end of the first half when Theerathon Bunmathan fell to the ground and was helped up by Johor Darul Tazim player Arif Aiman. However, as he stood up, the 1990-born defender suddenly engaged in an uncontrolled act: grabbing Arif Aiman’s groin. Immediately, the Malaysian player collapsed in pain, prompting the referee to intervene.
After reviewing the situation through VAR, the referee decided to issue a direct red card to Theerathon Bunmathan. This decision was entirely justified, reflecting the severity of the violent conduct on the pitch.
Disciplinary Decision from AFC
On January 16, 2025, the AFC Disciplinary Committee announced additional sanctions against Theerathon Bunmathan. He will be suspended for three matches and fined $2,000 (approximately 50 million Thai baht). AFC emphasized that this was an “unsportsmanlike” act that goes against the spirit of fair play in football.
With this suspension, Theerathon Bunmathan will miss two remaining group stage matches in the AFC Champions League Elite against Ulsan Hyundai FC (February 12) and Gwangju FC (February 18). If Buriram United advances, he will also be ineligible for the Round of 16 match. In case the club is eliminated, the suspension will carry over into the next season.
Official announcement of the punishment from AFC regarding Theerathon Bunmathan.
Sneaky Playstyle and the “Elbow King” Nickname
Theerathon Bunmathan is renowned as one of Thailand’s top players, having won the J.League with Yokohama F. Marinos in 2019. Despite his talent, he has often been criticized for his sneaky playstyle and inappropriate behavior on the field.
Notably, the nickname “Elbow King,” given by Southeast Asian fans, has become a significant drawback in the 34-year-old player’s career. This latest incident further fuels the ongoing debates about his conduct in high-stakes matches.
Additionally, Buriram United’s refusal to release Theerathon Bunmathan for the 2024 AFF Cup was a significant loss for the Thai national team. He is considered a crucial player for the “War Elephants,” but his absence had a notable impact on the team’s strength.
Conclusion
The unsportsmanlike conduct of Theerathon Bunmathan not only resulted in heavy sanctions from AFC but also damaged his personal and Thailand’s football reputation. This serves as a reminder to all athletes that maintaining ethics and fair play is paramount, regardless of their talent. Let’s see if Theerathon will learn from this incident and improve his image in the future.
Source: dantri.com.vn
