Red cards rain at the final of SEA Games 32

Violence escalated in the 32nd SEA Games final between Indonesia and Thailand, forcing the referee to issue seven red cards and 12 yellow cards at the Olympic Stadium on the evening of May 16.

Jonathan Khemdee (number 4, blue) received a red card in extra time. Photo: Duc Dong — Jonathan Khemdee (number 4, blue) received a red card in extra time. Photo: *Duc Dong*

The source of the fight came from Thailand's excessive goal celebration, after Yotsakon equalized 2-2 in the last seconds of extra time. The Thai assistant coach, along with the reserve players and a few other members of the coaching staff ran towards Indonesia to celebrate the goal provocatively. This action was intended to retaliate against Indonesia, who had celebrated their victory a minute earlier. In fact, Indonesia's celebration was misplaced because the referee blew the whistle for a free kick, not the final whistle.

Witnessing the provocation of the Thais, the Indonesian members outside the field could not sit still. Substitute number 18 Titan Agung rushed to fight with the Thai assistant coach, igniting violence. These two people were then given a straight red card.

Titan (number 18, red) was sent off after fighting with the Thai assistant coach. Photo: Lam Thoa — Titan (number 18, red) was sent off after fighting with the Thai assistant coach. Photo: *Lam Thoa*

Things got tense again when Indonesia scored to make it 3-2 early in extra time. Indonesia retaliated, celebrating provocatively at Thailand. Both sides started punching and kicking each other again. After security personnel intervened and calmed the situation, the referee showed three more red cards. One of them was for the Thai assistant coach, who threw a punch at the Indonesian media staff. The technical director of the Indonesian team was also punched, causing his mouth to bleed and he fell down.

The referee also disqualified defender Komang of Indonesia and goalkeeper Soponwit of Thailand, because the two players punched each other. Many members of both teams escaped punishment, as the referee could not observe the entire fight.

Komang (number 4, red) and goalkeeper Soponwit (yellow) were sent off after the fight. Photo: Hieu Luong — Komang (number 4, red) and goalkeeper Soponwit (yellow) were sent off after the fight. Photo: *Hieu Luong*

When the two teams resumed play, both Thailand and Indonesia were down to 10 men. Thailand's squad was reduced to nine when Jonathan Khemdee received his second yellow card in the 101st minute for a foul that prevented Indonesia from counter-attacking.

Playing with one less player, Thailand continued to concede goals and fell behind 2-4. The players in blue were exhausted and could not keep up with the speed of their opponents. Striker Teerasak was sent off in the 118th minute , after a foul on Ananda - a substitute player for Indonesia.

The final, which ended 5-2 in favor of Indonesia, saw a total of seven red cards and 12 yellow cards. Thailand finished the match with only eight men, while Indonesia had 10. This was the final with the most red cards in the history of the SEA Games.