The recent incidents at the Suzuki Cup Final has once again raised the question,”What do we do with the “Ultras” ? These are the “supporters” who defy authority by setting off flares inside grounds and often end up fighting with rival supporters.
The simple truth is, flares ARE dangerous and someone could be seriously injured or worse. There were problems at the recent Everton v Liverpool match in England when flares were thrown onto the pitch following Liverpool’s stoppage-time winner.
This moved Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to express his deep concern over such happenings and the club is determined to find those responsible. What happened in Bangkok was in retaliation for Indonesian fans shining lasers in Thai players’ faces in the first-leg.
This was despite warnings in the press and social media not to do so. These people believe themselves to be some kind of elite force and therefore above the law. The ironic thing is they are likely to do great damage to the game they are supposed to love.
Thai football is moving forward both on and off the pitch. Crowds are increasing and the number of young people getting involved in the game as either players or spectators, is also growing.
However, if events like those previously highlighted continue, then responsible parents will not allow their children anywhere near a football ground. We went through the football violence era in England in the 60’s and 70’s and it was bloody frightening.
The “family atmosphere” at football matches in Thailand must not be allowed to disappear.A number of clubs have had problems with some of their supporters. Muang Thong and Thai Port were punished by the FA after violence erupted after a game towards the end of last season.
Muang Thong “supporters” have caused trouble consistently for at least the last five years. These “faceless” yobs are a disgrace to football and Muang Thong United. It should not be up to the FA to sort these issues out.
Individual clubs should take responsibility and weed out these hooligans and ban them for life. Anyone who goes to a football match with a black scarf covering their face is not a true football supporter.
One thing the Thai FA can do, is to improve the standard of refereeing which at times is nothing short of incompetent. It is vital that this problem is addressed if Thai football is to be taken seriously.