Muangthong issue threat to Thai FA over releasing players
A leading Thai club is threatening to withhold its players from representing Thailand in protest at the lack of protection given to its players by the referee during a league game.
SCG Muangthong United manager Piansak Onsamang says referee Withawet Sangnakhon allowed opponents Air Force to escape without punishment after several dangerous tackles during Friday night’s Thai League 1 game, which his side won 1-0.
Piansak claims ex-internationals Adisak Kraisorn, Cheryl Chappuis and Trsitan Do all sustained injuries after being elbowed and kicked and that Muangthong’s Brazilian player, Heberty Fernandes, was tripped while dribbling past an opponent, again without intervention by the referee.
He also mentioned an incident last year, when Sarach Yooyen picked up an ankle injury after Pichit Jaiboon, then playing for Sukhothai, unended him from behind. The Muangthong captain was sidelined for one year and missed out on the chance to represent Thailand in the World Cup Qualifiers.
“Such incidents affect the national team. Muangthong has always cooperated with the Football Association of Thailand but referees have been allowed to perform their duties without protecting Muangthong players,” Piansak complained.
He also took the governing body to task for taking the safety of his players for granted despite many ugly incident in the past.
He warned that Fifa rules would be taken into consideration when Muangthong had to decide whether or nto to release its players for international duty
“We won’t let them go if they are injured,” he said.
