Ratchaburi rumpus exposes dark side
Attending a Thai football match, most will tell you, is a unique experience which combines formal shows of mutual respect along with a friendly, convivial feel.
Fans generally are not abusive to each other (with a few notable exceptions, such as Port’s games with SCG Muang Thong United) — in fact quite the opposite.
Wearing another team’s shirt to a game is not even an issue — something that is unimaginable in England, for example.
Before the game, players — foreigners and Thais alike — will stand respectfully for the Thai national anthem.
At the end of the game, regardless of the score, players acknowledge all the fans — including those of the opposition — and even wai the opposing team’s coach.
There is just one, rather significant, exception to this happy scenario.
During the game, behaviour from players — and even club staff — can be downright despicable.
His blood-splattered face snarling, Chonburi’s Thiago Cunha became the image of Thai football a few weeks back, following his rumpus with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol manager Tanawat Nitikanchana and one of the club’s security staff at half-time of their match in Ratchaburi.
Never mind the big top of the table clash between SCG Muang Thong United and Buriram United the following day.
All anyone could talk about, especially those with just a passing interest in the game over here, was the incident instigated by Cunha and his sprayed water bottle, which delayed the match for a full 45 minutes.
Tanawat slapped the back of Cunha’s head after the Brazilian had doused him with drinking water.
The Sharks’ striker then was attacked by a security guard.
Theunsavou ry scenes subsequently led to a five-game ban and 50,000 baht fine for Cunha, and a three-month touchline ban and 60,000 baht fine for Tanawat.
While Cunha and Tanawat have been rightly chastised for their conduct, the incident is just a magnified reflection of what is a weekly occurrence in the top flight.
Players and staff berating officials, and each other, is commonplace.
Some teams and individuals are worse than others, with reigning champions Muang Thong showing up badly in this particular roll of dishonour.
Great player though he is, Thailand star Theerathon Bunmathan has acquired a particular reputation for petulance.
It seems that often respect is just for show, and when the action gets underway, all pretence can be forgotten. A reflection of the society we live in perhaps? Whatever, it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
NOT-SO SUPER-POWERED
In perhaps one of the most unfortunate rebrandings in sporting history, towards the end of last year what was formerly Osotspa FC — named after their sponsors — became Super Power Samut Prakan.
This season, Super Power have been anything but — their last two fixtures involving hammerings at the hands of Pattaya United (8-2) and Nakhon Ratchasima (5-0).
Their stats overall make grim reading. Just one point from 23 games so far this season, with a goal difference of minus 68. Eighty-five goals conceded, just 17 scored. Four coaches and counting have been in charge of the club.
One of those bosses, Englishman Jason Withe, gave a little insight into what he inherited when he took over the poisoned chalice midway through the first half of the season.
The team had just one established striker — out on long-term injury — and an ageing squad made up of many aged over 35.
And when the striker was about to return from injury, he was sold.
Now dessert firm Mae Kim Lai, which is famous for its khanom mor gaeng, seems set to take over the club, with a move to Phetchaburi on the cards.
Their plight elicits sympathy, but there has obviously been some chronic mismanagement behind the scenes.
Let’s hope their latest rebranding is somewhat less hyperbolic.