Thai defender's punishment increased for touching opponent's 'private part'

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has increased the ban imposed on Buriram United left-back Theerathon Bunmathan to three matches after the Thai player made an offensive gesture during the Asian Cup.

During the match between Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim on 3/12/2024, Theerathon Bunmathan used his hand to touch the private area of ​​Johor Darul Ta'zim player Arif Aiman. Slow-motion footage released on television showed Bunmathan actively performing a move that looked like he was pinching Arif Aiman's "private area". The referee sent Bunmathan off in the 45th minute of the match.

Indecent act caused Bunmathan to be disqualified and receive a penalty from AFC

The AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee recently concluded that Theerathon had committed violent conduct. As a result, the 34-year-old was handed an additional two-match suspension, combined with a one-match ban for his red card in the aforementioned match. This means that Theerathon has been banned for a total of three matches.

In addition, AFC also fined this player 2,000 USD, about 50 million VND.

Buriram FC will play their final two group stage matches, against Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) on February 12 and Gwangju FC (South Korea) on February 18. Due to the AFC's sanction, Buriram will not be able to use Theerathon in both of these matches. If Buriram reach the round of 16, Theerathon will be banned for the first leg. However, if the Thai representative is eliminated from the group stage of the Asian Cup 1, Theerathon's suspension will be transferred to the following season.

Theerathon is a talented and troubled player in Thai football. Although he is considered an excellent player and has won the J1-League in Japan with Yokohama F. Marinos, Theerathon has also caused a lot of controversy because of his dirty behavior on the field.

The AFC also imposed financial penalties on both Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta'zim for delaying the start of the match. Specifically, the match was delayed by 1 minute and 29 seconds compared to the scheduled start time. Buriram United was fined 1,000 USD (25 million VND), while Johor Darul Ta'zim received a fine of 1,500 USD (38 million VND).

Son Tung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cau-cho-hiem-cua-doi-phuong-hau-ve-thai-lan-bi-tang-an-phat-ar920860.html