Badminton bad boy Bodin Issara has been banned from the sport for two years for chasing and assaulting former doubles partner Maneepong Jongjit at the Canada Open just over a week ago.
The Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT) also banned Maneepong for three-months for verbally provoking Bodin.
The duo could face further penalties with an investigation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) still ongoing.
“Everything we have done in 60 years collapsed just because of one person. In my six decades in this sport, I haven’t seen a more violent case than this,” BAT president Charoen Wattanasin said.
Bodin’s coach during the tournament has been suspended for six months and Maneepong’s coach for three months, Mr Charoen said. The punishment came one day after Bodin’s club Granular suspended him for the rest of the year without pay.
The duo, both 22, teamed up for Thailand at the London Olympics and were competing on opposite sides for the first time since their split and tensions blew up in a feisty men’s doubles contest which ended with Bodin’s disqualification after he chased Maneepong around the arena.
Bodin lost his temper after Maneepong had hit him on the head with his racquet at the change of ends and the crowd were left in shock as Bodin eventually tackled his former partner to the ground on a neighbouring court and attacked him before being pulled away.
Bodin and Maneepong made a public apology on Saturday, shaking hands and attempting to put the incident behind them.
Bodin’s remorse meant he avoided a lifetime ban, while Maneepong’s regret saw his penalty halved from six months, reported Eurosport.
Bodin said earlier this week he would consider his future in the sport once the BAT and BWF had decided on their punishments.
The BWF have charged both players with inappropriate conduct, oral abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct. Bodin was also charged with physical abuse and conduct contrary to the integrity of the game.
Photo: Bodin Issara and Maneepong Jongjit’s Facebook page.
