Serbia's Ranko Popovic has resigned as coach of Thai League 1 side Buriram United after receiving a three-month suspension.
The Football Association of Thailand's (FAT) disciplinary committee recently handed Popovic a three-month ban and a fine of 40,000 baht after he attacked an opponent following a league game.
According to the panel, Popovic slapped in the face of Bangkok United physio Andy Schillinger following a heated argument after Buriram beat the capital side 2-1.
Buriram lodged an appeal but the committee stood firm to its original ruling.
The coach insisted he was not guilty and said he was disappointed by the decision.
However, he decided to quit as Buriram coach because he would not be able to perform his duty for three months and to shoulder responsibility for the incident.
The Thunder Castle said they would try to appoint a new coach before the second half of the season begins this weekend.
A large number of their fans posted on the club's Facebook page calling for Buriram chairman Newin Chidchob to hire former national team coach Kiatisak Senamuang.
Kiatisak, who has been unemployed since quitting the national side in March, is now studying for a high-level coaching licence in South Korea.
Buriram and SCG Muang Thong United are joint leaders in Thai League 1 after 17 games.
Meanwhile, Thai-Swiss midfielder Charyl Chappuis is close to joining Muang Thong from Suphanburi, according to reports.
Chappuis' contract with Suphanburi will expire at the end of this season and Suphanburi reportedly do not want to lose him for free and would rather sell him now.