Trio accused of firing football flares surrender

Trio accused of firing football flares surrender

Flares are fired during the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final between Thailand and Indonesia on Dec 17, sparking criticism from fans and officials concerned about public safety. (Photo by Pattarachai Preechapanich)
Flares are fired during the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup final between Thailand and Indonesia on Dec 17, sparking criticism from fans and officials concerned about public safety. (Photo by Pattarachai Preechapanich)

Three men, including a leading member of the Ultras Thailand football supporters' group, have turned themselves in to police in connection with the firing of flares during a match at Rajamangala National Stadium, bringing the number of arrests to four.

Arrest warrants have been issued for a total of 12 people in connection with the incident that took place on Dec 17 during the AFF Suzuki Cup final between Thailand and Indonesia in Bangkok.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Sanit Mahathavorn said on Saturday that three men wanted on warrants turned themselves in separately to Hua Mak police on Friday night, but all denied firing flares during the match. One of the three was Prapot Phophan, a leading member of Ultras Thailand.

The other person arrested is alleged to have sold the flares to Ultras Thailand. Mr Prapot and the two men who surrendered on Friday are believed to have fired the flares, said Pol Lt Gen Sanit.

The incident took place during the second leg of the Suzuki Cup final, which Thailand won 2-0, giving the natyional side a 3-2 aggregate victory and a record fifth Southeast Asian title.

Pol Lt Gen Sanit said arrest warrants were likely to be issued for more people as officers gathered more evidence.

On Friday night, a man and a woman who witnessed the incident reported to police to give statements after receiving summonses. The officers said the two people gave useful information, but they declined to elaborate.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) bans flares during all domestic fixtures and international competitions for safety reasons in line with the directions of the Asean Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation. Any fans that ignore the order could be banned for life from entering stadiums, while the Thai team could be penalised if the FAT is found to have failed to enforce the ban.

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