PRESS REACTION

Thai media lashes Malaysian referee

WANCHAI RUJAWONGSANTI

The Thai press yesterday fiercely attacked Singapore and Malaysian referee C Ravichandran in the aftermath of the kingdom's controversial 2-1 defeat in Singapore on Wednesday. With the game level at 1-1, the ref awarded a questionable penalty to Singapore in the 82nd minute. The Thais staged a walk-off for 15 minutes and Singapore slotted home the spot kick when play resumed.

All Thai newspapers yesterday played up the stroy on the front page or the sports section and most of them came up with words like ''cheat'' and ''rob''.

''(Thai officials) Lash out at Malay ref. Cheat Thailand. Award 'thick-faced' penalty,'' Siam Sport said in its headlines.

''Singapore dollar is very strong. Singpore robbed Thailand. Malaysian referee C Ravichandran awarded a dubious penalty,'' the paper began its report.

The sports daily claimed the Malaysian was inexperienced having been a Fifa referee for just three or four years. It also claimed the ref did not like Thais although he had officiated in the King's Cup on several occasions.

Manager daily, which normally focuses on business and political issues, put the story on its front page under the headlines ''Singapore rob (Thailand) in disgraceful match''.

But it was the newspaper's website www.manager.co.th that was more critical of Singapore.

The group is owned by Sondhi Limthongkul whose campaign helped oust prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The websites now calls Singapore and its national team ''Temasek''in reference of the country's state investment arm which last year took over telecoms firm Shin Corp, founded by Thaksin.

In a gossip-cum-commentary column on the website, the writer said that the ''Temasek country'' showed their true colours in the controversial football match.

A large number of fans on the popular website www.pantip.com blast Singapore and the Malaysian referee and threatened to make Singapore pay for their ''robbery'' when they are in Thailand.

''When will Singapore arrive at the airport? Which hotel they will stay? I want to visit them,'' said a fan.

''I want to stay close to them and ''greet'' them there,'' he added.

''The ref should go to sell Roti Boy,'' wrote another, referring to Malaysia's buns which were once highly popular in Thailand.

''Greet them with tanks?'' asked another.

However, some fans warned that Thais should not resort to a barbaric way and should give Singapore a lesson by whipping them fairly on the pitch.

Many also criticised Thailand for initially refusing to carry on after the dubious penalty, while others said football and politics are separate issues.

Bangkok Post
Friday February 02, 2007