In the wake of the latest game between bitter rivals Buriram and Muang Thong, a number of questions have emerged. Will we ever see the family atmosphere that is present in nearly all Thai league games and who could possibly make the first move to defuse the intensity of the rivalry?
The first thing to remember is that football is a game, it is not life and death. You only have to read two other articles published today to see that. However, it is a very important part of many people’s lives. Including mine.
I have been a loyal Middlesbrough fan since the age of five and I never believed another football team could find a place in my heart. But that is exactly what Buriram United have done during the six years I have been here. They are as important to me now as my beloved Boro.
I love the city, the people and the remarkable club we have here. What Buriram have achieved is difficult to put into words. They are far from perfect and when I report on their games I will always include the bad as well as the good.
It saddens me to see the bad feeling between the two clubs and some things that happened last night made me even more so. There was no meeting of fans on the pitch at half-time for a photo holding each other’s scarves. I think this small gesture between opposing fans is a nice touch and it is a pity that it did not happen on Friday.
Initially, I felt it was rather petty of Buriram but then after the game I spoke to a good friend who was at his first Buriram-Muang Thong match.
He was sat close to the Muang Thong fans and most of the people around him were women and children. He was astonished and horrified at the bile and hate that the Ultras directed at such innocent people.
These fine examples of Thai manhood who hide their faces behind scarves are beyond contempt. Why they are allowed into the ground is beyond me. Thinking more carefully about it, they shouldn’t even have been there.
I now realize there is only one way things can change. Until Muang Thong as a club grow some balls and get rid of these lower plant life, then there is no hope. To see players applauding these imbeciles is sickening.
Of course the majority of Muang Thong fans will be decent, law-abiding people but they will inevitably be tarred with the same brush. I am not naive enough to suggest that Buriram don’t have any fans who behave in a less than acceptable manner but nowhere else in the country can match the behaviour of this collection of low life.
It was also reported that Muang Thong supporters caused problems for stewards and police after the game which sadly is nothing new.
So come on Muang Thong, do us all and more importantly yourselves, a favour !
Footnote:- I have deliberately not posted any photos. They are not worthy of the trouble !
Oh, alright then, just one photo.
