Police to prosecute Thai football fans who lit flares at Suzuki Cup final

The Thai national football team defeated Indonesia 2-0 at the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup on Saturday, but Thailand’s victory was overshadowed by the out-of-control fans who lit red flares at Bangkok’s Rajamangala stadium.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Sanit Mahatavorn said police have conducted an investigation and found that a fan group called “Ultras Thailand” was responsible for the mischief. They smuggled the flares through the security check in their cheering gear and brought it out during the match.

According to FIFA stadium safety regulations, flares and fireworks are prohibited from the stadium. Pathit Supapong, spokesperson of the Football Association of Thailand, told Thairath online that, by breaking this security rule, irresponsible Thai fans could cost the Association a USD30,000 fine and cause the team to be banned from playing in a future domestic match.

Flares were reportedly first lit when Thailand’s Siroch Chanthong made the first goal in the first half. Part of the stadium became covered in smoke and bright red light for a large portion of the game and after it was over.

Police are gathering information to identify the culprits. They will be charged for threatening or causing trouble to others in public, which carries a punishment of a one-month jail term and/or a fine of THB10,000.  

Nation TV reported that Ultras Thailand has a reputation for clashing with other football fans, and, because of this, they are seated separately from other fans. Some of the flare lighters covered their faces to avoid being recognized. However, Sanit claimed that the police are gathering evidence from their Facebook posts and other videos, and will summon the culprits soon.



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