• 
• 

Published on August 14, 2007

The late melee in the host country's 1-0 victory over Mexico saw two players from each side sent off.

Thailand faces Ukraine tomorrow.

The ill-tempered match was played at Supachalasai National Stadium in searing heat. Kick-off was at 3pm.

Anon Sangsanoi scored the winning goal for Thailand in the 74th minute.

But clashes erupted in the fourth minute of stoppage time with play in the host's penalty box. Mexican midfielder Marco Valverde appeared to elbow goalkeeper Umarin Yaodam as they both went for the ball. Umarin was left with a bloody lip.

Referee Paul Ward of Canada red-carded both players.

But the dispute was rekindled off the pitch and led to players from both sides engaging in a free for all. Officials and spectators joined in.

The violence spread to the stands as the home crowd threw water bottles on to the field. Security guards were called in to quell the situation.

It took 10 minutes for the dust to settle.

When play was ready to resume, Ward instantly brandished another two red cards, sending Thailand's Wisarut Pannasri and Daniel Rojas of Mexico for an early shower.

Matters simmered down briefly but the final whistle brought mayhem, with both sides back at it hammer and tongs.

Police intervened but it was another 10 minutes before order was restored.

The post-match news conference at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus was standing room only.

Journalists crammed into the conference room but were forced to wait an hour before Thailand co-manager Juta Tingsapat appeared.

Juta said: "On behalf of Thailand's football team, we owe an apology to the Thai people for what happened.

"We also want to apologise to Mexico. We' re ready to shake hands with them and become friends again ... as the Games' theme states: 'All Become One'.

"It's a football match and all any team wants is to win. I think it's pointless to try and apportion blame in this matter.

"For what happened, I will leave it to the event committee to decide on any action to take against us," added Juta, who swiftly left the room, refusing to answer questions.

Kitinan Sanguansak

The Nation