(photo courtesy of SI News)
These were the scenes after the 1-1 League Cup semi-final draw between Muang Thong and Thai Port as over 300 police and soldiers had to use a water canon to dispel battling fans. There had been a few minor incidents in the ground but major fights erupted outside the ground after some mutual verbal taunting.
One eye-witness was with Thai Port fans and claims that the attack by Muang Thong’s “Ultras” was completely unprovoked. Flares, bottles and large sticks were launched at the Port fans before hand-to-hand fighting broke out. However, another report stated that Port fans began getting out of cars prior to the attack starting.
Happy Thai Port fans just before the attack.
Several people were injured , four seriously , and were immediately taken to hospital.Police have vowed to charge those responsible and the Thai FA have launched an investigation.
If the allegations that Muang Thong fans started the trouble are found to be true,there have been rumours that Muang Thong could face demotion to Division 1 or a points deduction. This comes at a time when they are favourites to clinch the league title, amid speculation that their sponsors SCG are considering withdrawing their sponsorship.
Whilst the possible punishments may seem harsh to some, it is worth considering the constant bad behaviour of the Muang Thong fans. They have been involved in countless incidents all over the country and the I-Mobile Stadium has fallen victim to seats being ripped out and toilets smashed in recent seasons.
That’s without mentioning assaults on innocent bystanders . At their home stadium, alcohol is openly consumed in the spectator areas and a foul-mouthed American regular in their VIP area has caused a number of families to leave, vowing never to return. Not forgetting the persistent use of flares, sometimes as weapons, despite countless warnings .
This is the face of Muang Thong Ultras of which they are immensely proud :-
Why are they allowed to roam around freely with their faces covered ? Why are they simply not barred from entering any football ground ? One of the main charms of Thai football is that it is very much a family occasion. There should be no place for these “supporters” anywhere in the country.
As a club, Muang Thong have continuously looked the other way and allowed these hooligans to do whatever they want. Perhaps it is now time for them to pay the price !