Sanrawat gets 8-game ban for punching match referee

Sanrawat gets 8-game ban for punching match referee

Bangkok United's Sanrawat Detchmitr.
Bangkok United's Sanrawat Detchmitr.

True Bangkok United midfielder Sanrawat Detchmitr has been banned for eight matches for attacking a referee, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) announced on Tuesday.

During the Thai League 1 match against leaders Port at PAT Stadium on Saturday, Sanrawat was sent off for dissent by referee Arkhom Charoensuk in injury time.

Thailand international Sanrawat then vented his anger by punching Arkhom's stomach.

The player also faces a fine of 120,000 baht.

The ill-tempered match ended in a 1-1 draw with both sides reduced to 10 men.

Earlier, the FAT suspended Arkhom until the end of the season for his "sub-standard refereeing" during Saturday's match.

Port's Sergio Suarez was dismissed in the 80th minute for making an angry gesture when Arkhom refused to award a penalty after a home team player was fouled.

The referee gave Port a free-kick and Suarez reacted by throwing the ball at an opponent.

Replays showed the foul was committed inside the penalty area.

A few weeks ago, Port chairperson Nualphan Lamsam submitted a letter to the FAT calling it to improve the standard of the officiating.

This season, the FAT introduced the video assistant referee (VAR) system. Unfortunately, it caused more problems and the FAT has suspended it.

Fifa officials said Thai officials needed proper training before using the VAR.

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