Thai FA Apologizes For Riots During The 2023 SEA Games Against Indonesia Final, Brutal Players And Officials Ready To Be Punished

The 2023 SEA Games final match between the U-22 Indonesian national team and Thailand. (Photo: Twitter/@PSSI)

JAKARTA - A decisive step was taken by the Thai Football Federation (FAT) regarding the commotion that had occurred in the 2023 SEA Games final match against the U-22 Indonesian national team. In the aftermath of the anarchist actions at that time, FAT will give severe punishments to the players and officials involved.

The Indonesia vs Thailand meeting which ended 5-2 at the Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh, Wednesday, May 17 evening WIB had heated up. The situation got out of control when Thai officials beat the U-22 Indonesian national team manager, Sumardji at the beginning of the extension of the first half.

Because of the incident, two officials received a red card from referee Matar Ali Al Hatmi. Not only that, goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart from Thailand and center-back of the U-22 Indonesian national team, Komang Teguh Trisnanda was also forced to leave the field after being caught fighting.

Reporting from Thairath, Wednesday, May 17, FAT immediately took quick steps by apologizing. In addition, they also ensure that they are ready to impose sanctions on officials and players.

However, before imposing a sentence, FAT will first form an investigative team to investigate in full the incident that occurred.

"FAT was disappointed and apologized for the bad scene that happened last night that damaged Thai football," FAT wrote in the caption.

The Thai FA believes Thailand's coaching staff should not act inappropriately and should remain calm under pressure. They should act politely and represent the Thai national team better," the statement continued.

Meanwhile, Thai officials who beat themselves have apologized in person. The official apologized while crying and hugging Sumardji who was the victim.

Even though at that time there was a commotion between the players and the officials of the two teams.

In the video circulating on social media, Thai national team officials who hit Sumardji apologized directly. He did this by visiting Sumardji who seemed to be busy chatting with Indra Sjafri in the hotel dining room.