Pattani FC Fined 50,000 Baht Over Lawnmower Incident

The Football Association of Thailand's disciplinary committee has imposed a 50,000-baht fine on Pattani FC following an incident in which PT Prachuap forward Andros Townsend was struck by a lawnmower while warming up during the halftime break. The incident occurred during a Thai League match on September 19, where Pattani FC lost to PT Prachuap 0-3. While Townsend was stretching with teammates during the interval, he was hit by the grass-cutting machine on his leg, prompting criticism regarding player safety. The disciplinary committee found that Pattani FC violated FIFA Disciplinary Code Article 17 (Order and Security at Matches), specifically subsections (b) and (c), which require adherence to safety protocols and adequate protection of players and visiting team staff. The committee also cited a breach of match-day safety standards under the penalty regulations. Although the standard fine range is 10,000 to 100,000 baht for such violations, the committee reduced the penalty to 50,000 baht after considering that this was Pattani FC's first such offense. The committee has also requested that the club implement the commitments outlined in its statement to prevent future incidents and report on its progress to the league management.