Thai players criticized for throwing silver medals at SEA Games

In a Facebook post, Mr. Kosal wrote: "The Thai player who took this action has lost his player image and is too disrespectful to the host country. The SEA Games medal and mascot awarded to the athletes is an honor. The big prize, not everyone has it, but is only given to those who contribute to the construction of the congress. The Thai Football Federation should educate this player."

Attached are three photos of Khemdee throwing a silver medal on the stands with Thai fans.

Khemdee has clarified, that he wants to give a medal to a close fan. But that explanation is not convincing enough, even causing the Thai midfielder to receive more criticism.

The 21-year-old Danish midfielder was also criticized by the home team fans because the day before the final, he announced that he would not play for any more Thai teams after the 32nd SEA Games.

Dr. Yong Pov, Secretary General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia also spoke about the incident. He told the Khmer Times: "This is not the right thing to do. He should respect his opponent."

Khemdee's actions worsened Thailand's image in the SEA Games men's football final. After equalizing 2-2 in the ninth minute of injury time, their players provocatively celebrated in front of the Indonesian technical area, leading to a scuffle. Therefore, when Indonesia raised the score to 3-2 at the beginning of the first extra time, the two sides continued to clash. Khemdee himself was sent off for receiving a second yellow card, for a foul on an Indonesian player.

In total, the Omani referee had to issue seven red cards and 12 yellow cards. Thailand ended the match with only seven people on the field, including an injured player who could not continue. After the match, Khemdee blamed the referee for many mistakes, causing both teams to inhibit and fight. The Thai Football Federation must apologize for the brawl.