Thailand turned SEA Games final into chaos: Indonesia coach

“The referee had announced that there were seven minutes of injury time, so when the clock ran out, we thought the game was over, so we entered the field for celebration. We didn’t intend to start trouble with anyone. Unexpectedly, the referee gave 11 minutes of injury time. When Thailand equalized [to make it] 2-2, they provoked us and turned the game into chaos,” Sjafri told VnExpress after the match.

“When we scored the third goal, my assistants and players returned the favor with a provoking celebration. For me, the actions of both teams are not acceptable.”

Coach Indra Sjafri talks to the press after Indonesia win 5-2 against Thailand in the SEA Games 32 men’s football final on May 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

At the end of the second half, when the score was 2-1, the Indonesia coaching staff heard the referee’s whistle. They thought it was the final whistle so they started celebrating wildly. However, it turned out that a freekick for Thailand had been awarded. From that freekick, the ball found Yotsakon Burapha, who finished accurately to equalize for Thailand.

The players and coaching staff of Thailand immediately ran to Indonesia’s technical area to celebrate provocatively, leading to a fight that security had to intervene in.

In extra time, after scoring the third goal, it was Indonesia’s turn to provoke Thailand with a celebration. A second brawl occured and the game was paused for several minutes. The referee also gave five red cards to both teams. Indonesia then scored two more goals to win the final 5-2, claiming their first SEA Games gold medal in 32 years.

A brawl between Thailand and Indonesia players and coaching staff at the SEA Games final, May 16, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Lam Thoa

Sjafri said he had a talk with all players and coaching staff and players, telling them to stay focused after the melee.

“I told them to keep their composure. The important thing is to win, not to fight. As a result, we won because my players focused on the game while Thailand didn’t,” he said.

Sjafri revealed that after the match “peace was restored” when the two teams apologized to each other.

Indonesia and Thailand had encountered each other 11 times at SEA Games before the final on Tuesday. Among them, Indonesia won two, drew one and lost three matches in the group stage. In the semifinals or final, Indonesia had lost all five matches against Thailand, scoring twice and conceding 12.

Indonesia lost the three previous SEA Games football finals they had played in.

Sjafri said the victory this season would help Indonesian football to rise.

 

 

Thailand turned SEA Games final into chaos: Indonesia coach

Thái Lan 2-5 Indonesia