Thai player criticized for throwing SEA Games silver medal

Cambodian Information Minister Chum Kosal asked Thailand to re-educate midfielder Jonathan Khemdee for his insensitive behavior after the men's football final of the 32nd SEA Games.

Khemdee threw the 32nd SEA Games medal into the stands after the men's football final against Indonesia at the Olympic Stadium on May 16. Photo: screenshot

In a Facebook post, Mr. Kosal wrote: "The Thai player who did this action has lost his image as a player and is too disrespectful to the host country. The medal and SEA Games mascot awarded to athletes is a great honor, not everyone has it but is only awarded to those who contribute to building the tournament. The Football Association of Thailand should educate this player."

Attached are three photos of Khemdee throwing the silver medal into the stands where Thai fans were.

Khemdee explained that he wanted to dedicate the medal to a close fan. But that explanation was not convincing enough, even causing the Thai midfielder to receive more criticism.

The 21-year-old half-Danish midfielder was also criticized by his own team's fans because one day before the final, he announced that he would not play for any other Thai team after the 32nd SEA Games.

Dr Yong Pov, Secretary General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, also spoke out about the incident. He told the Khmer Times : "This is an uncalled for action. He should respect his opponent."

Khemdee announced that the final match against Indonesia would be his last time wearing the Thai shirt. Photo: Hieu Luong

Khemdee’s actions further tarnished Thailand’s image in the SEA Games men’s football final. After equalizing the score at 2-2 in the ninth minute of injury time, their players celebrated provocatively in front of Indonesia’s technical area, leading to a brawl. As a result, when Indonesia increased the score to 3-2 early in the first period of 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 show seven red cards and 12 yellow cards in this match. Thailand finished the match with only seven players on the field, including an injured player who could not continue playing. After the match, Khemdee blamed the referee for many mistakes, causing the two teams to get frustrated and fight. The Football Association of Thailand had to apologize for the fight.

Main developments of the match Thailand 2-5 Indonesia.

Vinh San (according to Khmer Times )

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