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Police Needed To Break Up Fights Between Indonesia And Thailand Players And Staff In Violent Final

Indonesia beat Thailand 5-2 after extra time but the 2023 Southeast Asian Games final will be remembered for violence and fighting, rather than its seven goals.

Robert Summerscales

Police Needed To Break Up Fights Between Indonesia And Thailand Players And Staff In Violent Final
Police Needed To Break Up Fights Between Indonesia And Thailand Players And Staff In Violent Final /

The gold medal match in the men's football tournament at this year's Southeast Asian Games descended into violent chaos as two mass brawls broke out.

Indonesia beat Thailand 5-2 after extra time in Cambodia but Tuesday's final is unlikely to be remembered for its seven goals.

Fighting initially began after Thailand scored a stoppage-time equalizer to level the game at 2-2.

More violent clashes then took place after Indonesia went 3-2 ahead in the first minute of extra time.

Players and coaches from both teams were involved and it required dozens of police officers to help the referee restore order.

Four players received red cards, while one man appeared to be knocked unconscious.

A statement from the Football Association of Thailand read: "The association would like to express its disappointment and apologize for the chaotic incident that occurred off pitch.

"There will be a committee to investigate all those involved and there will be punishment. There will be no protection to those involved."

Indonesia head coach Indra Syafri said: "I regret that friends from both Thailand and our team [clashed with each other]. But it's over. We already hugged and forgave each other. This is football."

The Asian Football Confederation has vowed to investigate.

"The AFC underlines the importance of fair play, mutual respect and sportsmanship, and takes a zero tolerance approach towards all such acts of violence," said a spokesperson.

Police in Cambodia pictured attempting to break up fighting between players and staff during a game between Indonesia and Thailand in May 2023
Police in Cambodia pictured attempting to break up fighting between players and staff during a game between Indonesia and Thailand on Tuesday / ESPN Asia
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Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.