Kirins, Port to play home ties at neutral sites

Kirins, Port to play home ties at neutral sites

Bangkok United eye win over tough Chonburi

SCG Muang Thong's Teerasil Dangda (left) in action against Port.
SCG Muang Thong's Teerasil Dangda (left) in action against Port.

While a Football Association of Thailand panel has just begun its probe into the ugly incident of a fan brawl on Wednesday night, the national governing body has already ordered the clubs involved to play their home league matches at neutral venues.

A statement signed by FAT president Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang on Friday directed SCG Muang Thong United and Port to use neutral grounds for their home games.

The incident involving the fans of the two clubs took place outside Muang Thong's SCG stadium, where the Kirins edged Port 2-1 to qualify for the League Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate.

Muang Thong are now scheduled to face arch-rivals Buriram United in the title League Cup title showdown.

This was the second time that such an incident involving the fans of the two teams has taken place.

In the Thai League, leaders Muang Thong United were originally scheduled to take on BBCU tomorrow at their SCG Stadium, while Division One side Port play an away match against Nakhon Pathom United today.

However, Port's next game on Sept 24 against Ubon UMT United would have to be contested at a neutral venue.

Moreover, both teams will also lack the support of their fans as the FAT has barred them from attending these matches. However, supporters of opponent teams -- BBCU and Ubon UMT United -- are allowed to watch the matches.

Muang Thong United and Port will also be responsible for all expenses incurred by the exercise.

The Kirins have yet to finalise the venue but are reportedly planning to stage the match at Supachalasai, Rajamangala or Nakhon Ratchasima stadiums.

Muang Thong assistant coach Santi Chaipuek said: "Our key players are tired after playing so many matches as most of them have been involved in the national team games as well.

"We will also be without striker Adisak Kraisorn, who is injured.

"Although BBCU have already been relegated to the first division, we cannot underestimate them. Our goal is to pick up three points from this match."

The BBCU manager Sutee Paennoi said: "We have been sent back to the Division One, but that does not mean we should not try to win our remaining matches in the Thai League.

"We want to upset Muang Thong team. We know that the Kirins are a strong team, so we want to beat them and create a sort of history for our club."

Second-place Bangkok United are also hoping to pick up three points from their home game against Chonburi today.

The match will be played at the Thammasat Stadium and a win will keep Bangkok United in the title chase. Bangkok United are the only team in the league who still have a chance to overtake Mung Thong United.

Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek said: "We only have Puttinun Wannasri who who is serving a ban, while other players are ready to play.

"We have reached a point in the season where we need to work real hard to keep winning and hopefully claim the league title. That is our target now.

"It will be a tough game against Chonburi as they are improving and have played well consistently.

"However, we are confident that we can claim three points and put pressure on Muang Thong Thani."

Chonburi media director Jeerasak Chomthong said: "We have won a good number of important matches now and our confidence is on the rise.

"We can win this match. In our recent 4-1 victory over Navy, our players looked good.

"We are confident of our chances despite the fact that Bangkok United are a strong team."

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