Southeast Asian Games: Two Thailand players banned for six months after chaotic brawls in final

The Football Association of Thailand has dished out six-month bans to two of its players for their part in violent melees that broke out during the Southeast Asian Games final against Indonesia last week. Two team officials and the Thai goalkeeping coach were handed year-long suspensions for their role in two mass brawls during a 5-2 win for Indonesia in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh.

Ad The two players – goalkeeper Soponwit Rakyart and substitute Teerapak Pruengna – received shorter bans when the Football Association of Thailand announced the punishments on Tuesday. Premier LeagueLiverpool coast to victory over Thailand28/07/2013 AT 10:33 Explaining their reasoning, a statement from the Thai FA said the players' reduced bans were because of “being in a state of psychological pressure” and dealing with “provocative events” during the game.

Other mitigating factors included showing remorse afterwards with public apologies and the fact that the players are “still in their youth” – Rakyart is 22 and Pruengna 21. However, goalkeeping coach Prasadchok Chokmoh, and officials Mayid Madadada, and Phatrawut Wongsripuek were given year-long bans.

Howe says Newcastle surprised themselves by reaching Champions League — 'Didn't feel ready' Spanish Football Federation president admits La Liga has racism problem Xhaka to confirm transfer plans imminently amid talk of Arsenal exit “The fact-finding team agreed unanimously that as adults, the goalkeeping coach and team officials should be mature enough to control the situation and set a good example for the players, who are aged under 22. They should not lead or take part in the incident,” said the statement.