Thailand to banish ‘ultras’

Bangkok: Thai football authorities said on Tuesday they would cancel the tickets of around 800 ‘ultras’ for three World Cup qualifiers after flares were set off at a December international. The Football Association of Thailand was fined $30,000 over the incident, which saw plumes of smoke blanket crowds at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium after the War Elephants triumphed over Indonesia in the regional Suzuki Cup final. The flares came from a stadium section occupied by Thailand’s ‘ultras’ or hardcore fans. Thai police arrested a man for selling flares and football officials warned that the penalty would be much harsher if it were to happen again in a World Cup qualifier. In an effort to head-off rowdy behaviour at their three remaining home World Cup qualifiers, the FAT will cancel approximately 800 tickets from the ultras’ stronghold in the Bangkok stadium. “These hardcore fans caused trouble last time so we want this zone to be occupied by students,” FAT spokesman Patit Suphaphongs said, saying that the ticket-holders would be reimbursed. Thailand are due to play Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE in final qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.