Former champions SCG Muang Thong United's winless streak extended to seven matches last night, but it was the indefinite ban slapped on a match referee that stole the attention of domestic football circles.
Arkhom Charoensuk has been found guilty of "sub-standard refereeing" during Saturday night's clash between hosts Port and True Bangkok United, which ended in a 1-1 draw and saw one player from each side red-carded.
The ban was announced yesterday by Football Association of Thailand (FAT) spokesman Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Nimmano.
Port's Sergio Suarez was sent off in the 80th minute for making an angry gesture when Arkhom refused to award a penalty after a home team player was apparently fouled inside the box.
The referee gave Port a free-kick instead and Suarez reacted by throwing the ball at an opponent.
During the injury time, Bangkok United's Sanrawat Dechmitr was given his second yellow card for dissent.
Other match officials, including the two linesmen, on duty at PAT Stadium on Saturday night also face punishments.
"The FAT officials are of the opinion that refereeing in the game between Port and Bangkok United was below accepted standards," said Amnuay.
"It can be clearly seen from the referee's refusal to award a penalty when he was in a perfect position to see the foul inside the penalty area.
"Such incidents influence the result of a given match and can have damaging consequences for the team involved and the association."
Reacting to the FAT decision, Nualphan Lamsam, chairperson of Port club, said in a social media post: "After such farcical refereeing, is banning a referee for some games enough to make it up for the fans? I'm sure this post speaks for all the other clubs who suffer from similar situations."
Meanwhile, Muang Thong were held to a goalless draw at home by 10-man Suphanburi and remained pinned to the bottom of the table.
In other matches last night, a lone goal by Somkid Chamnansilp at the hour mark gave hosts Chiang Rai United a 1-0 victory over Chonburi and the sole possession of second spot. Ratchaburi scored a 3-0 victory at Chainat, while hosts Nakhon Ratchasima beat Chiangmai 4-2.
In Saturday's night late game, visiting Trat edged PTT Rayong 3-2.
