2-1 Win for the Lions, A Dubious Penalty and Poor Sportmanship from the Thais

A highly questionable penalty awarded in the 83rd min by the referee and converted by Singapore in the 95th minute capped a 2-1 win for the Lions and brought out the worst in sportsmanship from the men from the Land of Smiles, Thailand.

In the end, the scrappy nature of the match did not matter, the poor technical skills and quality of play did not matter, but the manner in which the Thais treated the Malaysian referee with disrespect regarding his award of the penalty makes me feel ashamed.

For a moment, the Thais threatened to walked off the game which would have surely sparked serious FIFA sanctions and the game will be awarded 3-0 to Singapore by default. There may not even be a need for the second leg if disciplinary actions are taken against the Thais.

I am sure all these thoughts must have ran thru the mind of the Thai team manager who appeared the most prepared to carry on with the game when the situation on the field was farcical. Shame, shame.

All the fans want is a good game of football played with passion, commitment and reasonable entertainment. As the final of the Asean Football Championships, the two teams on display are supposed to be the finest two nations and should focus only on performing their best on the field to repay the supporters. Sadly, Thailand seemed uninterested.

In football, as in life, not all is fair. Try telling me the Hand of God from Maradona is fair, or the failure to mention Zidane's headbutt in the World Cup 2006 final referee report is fair. It's just not fair. Everyone makes mistakes, and in a way that is what makes football more exciting, creates talking points because there are always human errors. Try to translate it to Thai and tell the lads out there?

Now, nothing less than a triumph for Singapore over this two-legged final is enough to preventing the coronation of an undeserved champion that lacks the appreciation for the beautiful game.

Singapore may be technically less gifted, plays uglier long balls, but in them I see the fire, the passion, and the DISCIPLINE.

*ROaR*