The truth about the Rajamangala Stadium Organizing Committee using black tape to cover the fan shirt logo: Again just because of a communication error?

Before the U.23 Thailand clashed with U.23 Timor Leste in the opening match of Group A of the 33rd SEA Games men's football, many images appeared on Thai social networks showing security guards at the Rajamangala Stadium gate using black tape to cover other brand logos on the shirts of Thai fans. Information spread that this originated from SEA Games regulations, because Grand Sport is the copyright owner of the Thai sports team's uniform sponsorship.

A fan shared a picture of the logo on their shirt covered with black tape.

PHOTO: FBNV

These images quickly created a wave of fierce debate, with many criticizing them for being "too rigid" and "infringing on fans' right to choose their own outfits."

Grand Sport: “We have never done that and will never do that”

In response to the strong public reaction, Matichon (Thailand) contacted the Grand Sport management board to verify the information. The representative of this sports brand affirmed: " Grand Sport has not issued any regulations or instructions related to prohibiting fans from wearing other brands' shirts.

There are also fans who share photos of themselves entering the stadium normally, wearing other brand shirts without any restrictions.

The company does not require employees to use tape to cover logos from brands other than Grand Sport. Grand Sport always respects and does not interfere with fans' right to choose their own outfits."

SEA Games Organizing Committee speaks up: Error due to miscommunication?

Immediately afterwards, the 33rd SEA Games Organizing Committee in Rajamangala also issued a statement explaining: "This was an incident due to incorrect information being communicated to staff on duty at the gate. There is no regulation prohibiting fans from wearing shirts of other brands when entering the stadium. The relevant staff has been reminded and reprimanded to avoid a repeat of the incident. The Organizing Committee also affirmed that fans can wear any outfit, as long as they comply with general regulations on security and good customs."

Although not yet officially opened, the 33rd SEA Games has been involved in many controversies related to the organization. Previously, the Organizing Committee was discovered to have mistakenly put the national flags of some countries on the online competition schedule, causing strong reactions from fans. In the match between U.23 Vietnam and U.23 Laos, the singing of the national anthem had a sound problem, forcing the teams to sing without music. The lighting system at the stadium also had problems. These problems have made the public question the host country's preparation and operation capacity, especially when the 33rd SEA Games still has many competitions ahead.