The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) yesterday upheld its ruling to ban Buriram midfielder Carmelo Gonzalez for the rest of the season.
Buriram United's Carmelo Gonzalez.
The Spaniard was sent off after receiving two yellow cards at Ratchaburi in the semi-final second leg of the League Cup last month.
Three-time defending champions Buriram won 2-1 on the night and progressed to the final with a 3-1 aggregate win.
The FAT then handed Gonzalez a suspension in all competitions for the rest of the season, saying the midfielder kicked the ball in the direction of the referee while he was walking off the pitch after receiving his marching orders.
Buriram appealed the decision on Monday but the FAT yesterday said the suspension stood.
"Carmelo Gonzalez intentionally tried to attack the referee," said FAT secretary-general Worawuth Thongsringam.
"We do not have to listen to the player's explanation because replays clearly showed the incident."
Gonzalez will miss 11 matches in the Thai Premier League and one match in the League Cup final against BEC Tero Sasana on Oct 12.
But Buriram are not worried much about the suspension.
"We still have other players who can play in his position," said Buriram manager Thadthep Pitakpoolsin.
TPL champions and leaders Buriram will host Singhtarua tomorrow and Thadthep said the Thunder Castle should get the three points.
"We are looking forward to the match," Thadthep said.
"We are confident that we will get the three points."
Struggling SCG Muang Thong United, who are three points behind Buriram, were knocked out in the FA Cup quarter-finals in midweek.
The Kirins know that they can't afford any more slip-ups in the TPL if they are to win anything this season.
But they will face a tricky assignment today when they travel to high-flying Chiang Rai United.
"It is our only competition remaining this season so we have to try out best," said Muang Thong assistant coach Pol Chomchuen.
"We have several injured players and we hope some of them regain fitness in time for the Chiang Rai match."
Chiang Rai, who earned an FA Cup semi-final spot in midweek, are confident that they are capable of rubbing salt to Muang Thong's wounds.
Chiang Rai coach Teerasak Pho-on said: "Reaching the FA Cup semi-finals has boosted our morale. We are confident that we won't lose to Muang Thong."
Chiang Rai's Chokelarp Nilsang is suspended but Phichitphong Cheuichiu, Leandro Assumpcao and Anon Sangsanoi are fit.
