Thai player punches referee and opponent after receiving red card

At the end of the first half of the match against Hua Hin City at Khao Takiap Stadium on March 2, Hua Hin, the visiting team Rajpracha was leading 3-0. After attempting to head the ball away, a Rajpracha player fell to the ground, causing the referee to stop the match and call the medical staff onto the field. Believing that the visiting player was deliberately lying on the ground to waste time, Songkran approached and kicked his opponent.

This behavior caused Songkran to receive a direct red card from the referee. The Hua Hin City defender became even angrier and punched the referee hard in the face, then turned to punch Srithai Bookok of Rajapracha.

The incident caused the match to be interrupted for 8 minutes. Bookok - the player who was attacked by Songkran - suffered a serious injury to his right eye, could not continue playing and was substituted off the field. In this match, Rajpracha won 5 - 2.

According to Siamsport, Bookok is likely to need eye surgery due to a blood clot. The club also filed a complaint against Songkran with the local police for assault.

Hua Hin City has apologised to Rajpracha as well as the player and referee who were assaulted. The club has announced that it will consider the most severe punishment, and has terminated Songkran's contract.

In addition to the violence, the incident also attracted attention because Songkran, who works as a police officer, posted an apology on social media, admitting to losing his temper and taking responsibility for what happened.

Violent incidents that damage the image of Thai football usually result in a 2-4 match ban and a fine of 40,000-60,000 baht ($1,170-$1,750). But according to Thairath and Siamsport, Songkran is likely to face a much heavier punishment than the standard.