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Published on August 15, 2007

Three Thailand and three Mexico players and a local official involved in a late-match melee were suspended by the federation, known as Fisu.

Thailand secured its first semi-final place with a 1-0 win but ugly scenes eclipsed the historic victory in the dying minutes of the match. Players, officials and spectators were involved in a free-for-all after an on-field incident left the home team goalkeeper with a bloody lip.

Fisu technical chairman for football, John Warnock, said Thailand 'keeper Umarin Yaodum and Wisarut Pannasi, plus Mexico's Marco Valverde and Daniel Rojas had been handed two-match suspensions. The four were sent off following the match brawl.

Warnock said the federation was considering banning the four from future university competitions.

Mexico's Diego Lopez, who had been ejected ahead of the incident, was given a one-match ban.

Thailand's Tevaarit Junsom and the team's assistant coach Montri Khrueawan were also suspended for the rest of the tournament for being involved in post-game fighting.

Fisu will report the incident and the punishments to the world football governing body, Fifa, which may take further action.

"It's necessary Fifa learns of this incident. It's possible it may impose additional punishment in the future," Warnock said.

Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation

PATHUM THANI