Singapore, Thailand Iller Still
In part of an ongoing rumble, Thailand stalked off the field during an ASEAN championship match with Singapore. (shown at left)
In the 82nd minute of play, score 1-1, Singaporean striker Noh Alam Shah collided with Thai defender Niweat Siriwong in the penalty box. Both fell to the ground.
The Malaysian referee judged Siriwong to be at fault and awarded a penalty kick to Singapore.
No doubt the call was questionable. In fact, Alam Shah later said he was sure the ref was going to book him for acting. But Thailand couldn't handle it. The team stalked off the field, accusing the Malaysian referee of colluding with Singapore.
Then, when the Thais came back after 15 minutes of stewing off the field, Singapore made the PK to win 2-1!
Now, the two are meeting again on Sunday's final in Bangkok. And everyone is ready to be angry.
Word is, the line for tickets was 1 km long and there was limited rioting when it sold out.
A Thai taxi driver talking to the Straits Times said it best:
"Last night was the Temasek Cup, not the Asean Cup -- and the only Thai that cheered Singapore was Thaksin Shinawatra."
A reference to the real trouble -- that the Singapore government's investment arm, Temasek Holdings, recently bought Thaksin's 49.6% share in Shin Corp, putting $1.9 billion in Thaksin family pockets. And, Shin Corp's holdings happen to include, like, a bunch of Thai telecoms. Some Thais are accusing Singapore of buying their telcos and then spying on their conversations.
The Thai papers are coming up with incendiary headlines:
"Thailand embittered, Singapore, referee collude to rob victory", says Thai Rath, for example.
Nothing but love to Thai Rath, but, uh, Singapore and Malaysia collude? They can't even agree on another bridge. . .Both seem to make great sport of picking on the other. I find Thai Rath's thesis untenable.
Anyway, Thai police are gearing up for Sunday's final. . .
In the 82nd minute of play, score 1-1, Singaporean striker Noh Alam Shah collided with Thai defender Niweat Siriwong in the penalty box. Both fell to the ground.
The Malaysian referee judged Siriwong to be at fault and awarded a penalty kick to Singapore.
No doubt the call was questionable. In fact, Alam Shah later said he was sure the ref was going to book him for acting. But Thailand couldn't handle it. The team stalked off the field, accusing the Malaysian referee of colluding with Singapore.
Then, when the Thais came back after 15 minutes of stewing off the field, Singapore made the PK to win 2-1!
Now, the two are meeting again on Sunday's final in Bangkok. And everyone is ready to be angry.
Word is, the line for tickets was 1 km long and there was limited rioting when it sold out.
A Thai taxi driver talking to the Straits Times said it best:
"Last night was the Temasek Cup, not the Asean Cup -- and the only Thai that cheered Singapore was Thaksin Shinawatra."
A reference to the real trouble -- that the Singapore government's investment arm, Temasek Holdings, recently bought Thaksin's 49.6% share in Shin Corp, putting $1.9 billion in Thaksin family pockets. And, Shin Corp's holdings happen to include, like, a bunch of Thai telecoms. Some Thais are accusing Singapore of buying their telcos and then spying on their conversations.
The Thai papers are coming up with incendiary headlines:
"Thailand embittered, Singapore, referee collude to rob victory", says Thai Rath, for example.
Nothing but love to Thai Rath, but, uh, Singapore and Malaysia collude? They can't even agree on another bridge. . .Both seem to make great sport of picking on the other. I find Thai Rath's thesis untenable.
BoI does not believe in conspiricies . . . but if one existed, which it doesn't, the Singapore New Paper is closer: Malaysian ref taking a chance to stir up illness against Singapore. New Paper is kind of goofy, though.
Anyway, Thai police are gearing up for Sunday's final. . .
What Would Buddha Do?
posted by bottle of ink @ 4:37 PM
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