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Supachok Sarachat (number 7) celebrates a goal for Thailand against Vietnam in the second leg of the ASEAN Cup final on January 5, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong |
In the 64th minute, Vietnamese goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu threw the ball out of play to allow medical staff to assist Nguyen Hoang Duc, who was in pain. When the match resumed, Thailand put the ball back into play instead of giving it back to Vietnam. The ball found Ben Davis, who passed it to Sarachat. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder turned and curled a shot into the top corner of the goal, leaving the Vietnamese players stunned.
While the action was not against the rules, it broke the convention of fair play, whereby the ball is usually returned to the opposing team after being purposely put out of play when a player needs medical attention.
On Monday, Sarachat took to Instagram to defend herself, insisting she was not lacking in sportsmanship.
“I would like to take this opportunity to explain last night’s controversial goal: as a professional player I never intend to play football unfairly,” he wrote on Monday.
Sarachat said the match was intense, with the score tied 1-1 and Thailand advancing in attack. Moments earlier, he was fouled in midfield and was frustrated that the referee did not penalize a Vietnam player.
Supachok Sarachat’s controversial goal against Vietnam in the second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final on January 5, 2025.
“I did not know that during my interrogation of the referee, which side kicked the ball out of the game for the treatment of the Vietnam players’ injuries. Furious about the referee’s decision and the emotional atmosphere of the fans, after the game resumed “As a teammate, I just throw the ball into the goal on instinct, and suddenly all the Vietnam players run up to me to complain,” he added.
Sarachat, who currently plays for Japanese club Consadole Sapporo, emphasized that his actions were due to a misunderstanding, not a lack of integrity.
“I tried to explain to everyone that I didn’t know what situation happened during my furious excitement over the referee’s decision. As a professional player, throughout my career I never thought about committing unsportsmanlike behavior and this happened only because of my misunderstanding,” he stated.
In conclusion, Sarachat congratulated Vietnam on its ASEAN Cup title and expressed hope for future matches.
“Finally, I would like to congratulate the Vietnam team for last night’s victory and I look forward to playing with you again,” he said.
