Reds' devil-may-care attitude has won them few fans

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side hit the ground running, by eking out a 1-0 win over the Singha All Stars XI, but David Moyes’ United team crashed to an upset 1-0 loss against the same opponents at Rajamangala National Stadium. 

Given the large fanbase they command in the country, much was expected from Manchester United’s trip to Bangkok for the first time in more than a decade. But, bad news for Thai fans came as soon as the club’s chartered flight departed from England.

Fans cried foul when it emerged that Dutch hitman Robin Van Persie was absent from the United travelling party. Surely, the forward was not the only one to miss the trip but his absence became an issue after he figured prominently in TV advertisements to promote the game. Many made their discontent clear on social media sites, as they felt cheated after having to pay a lot of money to buy tickets.

With the furore over Van Persie’s absence barely dissipating, the fans’ mood got worse when England international Wayne Rooney was sent back home to receive treatment on a hamstring injury barely 24 hours after arriving in the capital. For supporters hoping to get a glimpse of the Red Devils players during their three-day stay, the opportunity was further limited by tight security measures at the team’s hotel, where fans were not allowed to even enter the lobby. There was further disappointment in store for those waiting at the venue where Man United’s football clinic took place. They could meet only two ex-United strikers, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, rather than members of the current playing squad.

The main grievance of the fans, however, was the organisation of the game, which left many shaking their heads in disapproval. Some questioned the ticketing after vacant seats were spotted at the stadium despite reports that tickets were sold out within a few hours of going on sale.

People, who paid a lot of money, also complained that they had to walk all the way to the top tier of the stands where they could see players like tiny dots – as the organisers had not designated seats for cheaper tickets. With many fans sitting on the stairs, and the concourse crowded with people, there were doubts about the claim that the tickets were oversold.

To say that the atmosphere inside the stadium was subdued that day was an understatement. The organisers opted to play the latest single from Phurit Bhirombhakdi, the elder son of Singha president Santi, over and over again rather than the famous “Glory Glory Man United” song before the kick-off. What upset fans most, though, was lack of announcements over the public address system about what was going on in the game.

Fans did know Teeratep “Leesaw” Winothai scored the winner for the home side. But, no one could tell which minute the goal went in. There was no announcement and the giant screen did not display the time of the game either.

Fewer complaints were heard upon the arrival of Chelsea, even though the London side also came minus several of their star players. The absence of striker Fernando Torres and David Luiz was understandable, though, because of their involvement in the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

With Thailand still to host two more glamour fixtures featuring another EPL club, Liverpool, and Spanish giants Barcelona, it will be interesting to see how things pan out, starting with the arrival of the Merseyside club later this week.