Asian football probes after red cards mar final

The Asian Football Confederation said yesterday that it was investigating “acts of violence” after two mass brawls and four red cards marred the men’s final of the Southeast Asian Games. Indonesia defeated Thailand 5-2 in extra time on Tuesday in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in a match that saw clashes between players and coaches of both sides.
Thailand, who have since apologised and launched their own investigation, ended the bad-tempered final with eight players on the field. One of those sent off was goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart after he ran half the length of the pitch to deliver a diving punch to an Indonesian opponent.
Men’s football at the biennial SEA Games is played between under-23 sides. The final had been billed as a chance for Indonesia to restore some pride to its football following a deadly stadium disaster and the loss of hosting the Under-20 World Cup.
But the game will be remembered for the scenes that began in the 97th minute when Thailand – who had been 2-0 down – scored to make it 2-2 and force extra time. Thai officials celebrated their late leveller by running over to the Indonesia bench, prompting the first melee.
When Indonesia took the lead back early in extra time, their officials returned the favour, with even more incendiary results.
Kicks were landed as well as punches. Both teams had a player sent off, and members of their coaching staff were also dismissed. As the Thai team’s discipline crumbled, another two of their players were sent off during extra time for second yellow cards. The Thai football association said it would punish anyone found to have been in the wrong.
The chairman of the Indonesian FA pointed the finger at Thailand
The chaos and their role in it overshadowed the achievements of Indonesia’s young team, and what it means to football in the country. In October, a stadium disaster killed more than 130 people in East Java.