Chachoengsao FC Demands Clarification Over Referee's Performance in Muangthong United Draw
Chachoengsao FC has lodged a formal complaint with Thailand's Football Association over referee Songkran Bunmeekaert's performance in their 0-0 draw against Muangthong United, citing six controversial decisions including a missed penalty an
Chachoengsao FC has formally lodged a complaint with the Football Association of Thailand requesting clarification on referee Songkran Bunmeekaert's performance during their April 26 Thai League 1 match against Muangthong United at Chachoengsao's Daikin Stadium, which ended 0-0.
The match between already-safe Chachoengsao and 14th-placed Muangthong United, who desperately needed points to avoid relegation, was overseen by FIFA Elite-level referee Songkran Bunmeekaert, but the club claims there were numerous questionable decisions throughout.
Chachoengsao has submitted a formal letter to the Football Association detailing six specific controversial incidents:
1. Minute 58:40 - Referee blew for a foul on Chachoengsao's Uge van Lingen before a potential goal-scoring opportunity, awarding Muangthong player No. 2 a yellow card despite it being an advantage situation for Chachoengsao.
2. Minute 63:30 - After Kittipong Sansnit was fouled by Tristong Do in the penalty area, the referee called a free kick rather than a penalty. The VAR intervened and reviewed the incident, but the referee ultimately decided it was outside the box, despite the contact clearly occurring within the penalty area.
3. Minute 74:10 - George Philippe deliberately kicked the ball away to waste time and should have received a second yellow card (resulting in a red), but the referee did not issue one.
4. Minute 91:38 - After Kittipong evaded Muangthong defenders and had a clear scoring opportunity, the referee called a foul and gave a yellow card to Muangthong's Songwut Kraikhrue, despite this being a clear advantage situation for Chachoengsao.
5. Minute 94:22 - Jonathan Bolinga appeared to step on Muangthong's player No. 2, but no yellow card was issued. Had the referee called this, Bolinga would have received a second yellow and been sent off.
6. Minute 96:34 - Kevin Ignazio made a pass that bypassed Muangthong's defensive line, but the referee called a foul despite it being an advantage situation for Chachoengsao.
Chachoengsao FC is requesting clarification from the Referees Committee and the Disciplinary and Conduct Committee to ensure the football community has correct understanding and that refereeing standards remain consistent across all matches.
