Why did the referee recognize Thailand's 'dirty goal'?

The goal that made the score 2-1 of the Thai team in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2024 final caused a lot of controversy. This was a foul play by the home team, going against the spirit of fair play commonly seen in football.

In the 64th minute of the second leg final, goalkeeper Dinh Trieu proactively kicked the ball out of the field so that the medical team could enter the field to take care of his teammate. When the match restarted, the Vietnamese team waited for the ball to be returned by their opponents. However, the Thai players did not do so.

Thailand team scored unfair goal

When the Vietnamese defenders were caught off guard, Supachok Sarachat suddenly fired a long-range shot into the Vietnamese team's net. The referee recognized the goal.

Coach Kim Sang-sik and the Vietnamese players strongly protested. Nguyen Quang Hai and Do Duy Manh complained to Supachok. However, the referee's decision could not be changed.

The Thai team did not play fair. However, in terms of the rules, they did not commit a foul. Supachok Sarachat scored a valid goal, the ball was in play and there was no contact. The referee had no choice but to allow the goal.

Normally, teams with a fair play spirit will accept allowing their opponents to score immediately after the kick-off. However, the Thai team did not do this.

This disappointing loss made the Vietnamese team more determined. Thailand later paid the price for their foul play. Midfielder Weerathep Pomphan received a second yellow card and was sent off. Not long after, the Vietnamese team took the lead and Tuan Hai made his mark again. The number 10 striker's shot made defender Pansa Hemviboon fumble and put the ball into his own net.

Xiao Ming

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/vi-sao-trong-tai-cong-nhan-ban-thang-ban-cua-thai-lan-ar918439.html