FA Cup

[SriRachaShark]

e security measures are taken very very seriously - fans separated, an army of security, the number of fans attending monitored, any individuals causing problems dealt with quickly.... basically a professional setup.

By the way if Muang Thong win this match who will take the second AFC spot next year (don't tell me it's Buriram)

That's a very good question. I will ask around.

I am not sure, but I think to remember that a few weeks ago Ong-Arj Kosinkar mentioned final decission is made. It would not make me wonder if PEA will be AFC Cup next season. Even Chonburi might win.

Isn't this the kind of decision, along with promotion and relegation issues, that should be made at the start of the season? I find myself caring less and less about the whole rotten business these days.

I'll still go along and enjoy matches and the craic but, for me, the overall circus can crawl up its own rear end.

[lokomotive]

I had already been told of some truly bizarre decisions taken by the officials in the MTU game and I noticed myself the insane amount of injury time the ref played.

Now I've just learned from the OS that Christian was allowed to come on the pitch by the fourth official, then when he touched the ball the ref gave him a red card!

You have to wonder.

Correct me if I am wrong. But according to the rules players are just allowed to enter the pitch again after the main ref gave his signal. Did he?

[wolfman]

Will either side's fans do a parade through BKK a la Thai Port last season? It looked great in the photos, and as I'll be there this year, I'd love to know the route.

If Chonburi win, I think it's unlikely that we will parade the trophy around Bkk. However, if it's any sort of guide, SriRacha paraded the 1st Division cup through town the other week.

Cheers SRS, I don't expect Chonburi to parade the cup through BKK, but I was thinking about before the game. I think the Port fans travelled in convoy from Klong Toey to Supchalasai last year. The photos of hundreds of motorbikes and other vehicles decked out in orange and blue looked quite impressive. With both teams this year being from further afield, it might be less likely. However, I know there's a Bangkok Shark fan club, and MTU's home ground isn't far from being in Bangkok, so I'm curious whether the fans might organise something.

[SriRachaShark]

Will either side's fans do a parade through BKK a la Thai Port last season? It looked great in the photos, and as I'll be there this year, I'd love to know the route.

If Chonburi win, I think it's unlikely that we will parade the trophy around Bkk. However, if it's any sort of guide, SriRacha paraded the 1st Division cup through town the other week.

Cheers SRS, I don't expect Chonburi to parade the cup through BKK, but I was thinking about before the game. I think the Port fans travelled in convoy from Klong Toey to Supchalasai last year. The photos of hundreds of motorbikes and other vehicles decked out in orange and blue looked quite impressive. With both teams this year being from further afield, it might be less likely. However, I know there's a Bangkok Shark fan club, and MTU's home ground isn't far from being in Bangkok, so I'm curious whether the fans might organise something.

Ha, ha! I see what you mean.

There'll certainly be a parade of blue vehicles travelling up the motorway on the 28th, like we used to see during our 2008 AFC CL campaign, when all our "home" matches were played in Bkk.

In the 2007 season, we organised a "parade" from our usual meeting place for away games - by the Rama V statue - for our trip to the Chonburi Sports College Stadium, which was then the home of PEA. The police stopped all the traffic for us, as a convoy of cars, pick-ups, mini-buses and motorbikes made the short journey through the city and across Sukhumvit. A fine sight.

[Tobi]

also a lot of thai port supporters said they will come to support chonburi

[SriRachaShark]

also a lot of thai port supporters said they will come to support chonburi

Yes. I heard about this yesterday. Let's just hope that fans of Muang Thong and Chonburi ALL get tickets before they start selling them to everybody else. I'm sure it won't be a problem but Thai Port had their day in the sun last season, now it's someone else's turn.

[Tobi]

absolutely agree with that



This article says:

CHONBURI will play AFC Cup next year!

[the_englishman]

They can come and cheer who they want, no problem.

What IS a problem is if they get tickets ahead of MTU/Chonburi fans or if there is any kind of crowd problem or, god forbid, violence due to their presence.
Perhaps it wold be better to play at Raja if numbers could be an issue. I would personally prefer Supa but safety must always come first.

[Tobi]

in the german cupfinal they always sell 1/3 of the tickets direct to the fans of each club and the last 1/3 to sponsors and other fans ...

[wolfman]

As one who would like to deny the fans of Chonburi and MTU a ticket for my own selfish reason of wanting to watch a game of footy, where can I get my hands on one pre-match day?

[the_englishman]

They haven't announced details yet.

[Vinnie]

It has to be played at the Rajamangala - the first time I've ever called for a match to be played there. The capacity of Suphachalasai is 26,000. Muang Thong could nearly fill that on their own. Much as I don't like the place it has to be switched to the Raja.

[SriRachaShark]

It has to be played at the Rajamangala - the first time I've ever called for a match to be played there. The capacity of Suphachalasai is 26,000. Muang Thong could nearly fill that on their own. Much as I don't like the place it has to be switched to the Raja.

I'm not so sure, Vinnie. I think that 12,000 tickets for each club will be enough. As long as they distribute them sensibly, starting with season ticket holders of course.

t_e, what is your average attendance this season?

Ours is just over 7,000 but we pulled in 10,000 home fans for the visits of MTU, PEA & Bkk Glass.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=434216

[Vinnie]

It has to be played at the Rajamangala - the first time I've ever called for a match to be played there. The capacity of Suphachalasai is 26,000. Muang Thong could nearly fill that on their own. Much as I don't like the place it has to be switched to the Raja.

I'm not so sure, Vinnie. I think that 12,000 tickets for each club will be enough. As long as they distribute them sensibly, starting with season ticket holders of course.

t_e, what is your average attendance this season?

Ours is just over 7,000 but we pulled in 10,000 home fans for the visits of MTU, PEA & Bkk Glass.
http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=434216

Come on, let's be bold and optimistic! These are perhaps the two biggest clubs in Thailand with a support that extends well beyond their catchment areas. Maybe I'm being overly generous to Muang Thong but I'm sure they're capable of taking 20,000. Add 10-15,000 for Chonburi, plus neutral supporters and there's only one answer.

[lokomotive]

I agree with you Vinnie. I think the same way. However, just in terms of athmosphere, a packed Supha would be the best choice.

[lokomotive]

Btw, interesting point from JC. 28 Nov FA Cup Final with MTU and Chonburi nearly the whole NT squad will be on the pitch. Will they? Two days later is the first match of the Suzuki Cup.

[SriRachaShark]

I understand your point, Vinnie but would they sell that many more tickets to make it worth playing the match at Rajamangala?

What does it hold? 60,000? It would be no more than half full. I'm with Loko on this.

[SriRachaShark]

 :

[Vinnie]

I understand your point, Vinnie but would they sell that many more tickets to make it worth playing the match at Rajamangala?

What does it hold? 60,000? It would be no more than half full. I'm with Loko on this.

Only 49,700 these days. Capacity was 65,000 before the 2007 refit.

[SriRachaShark]

I understand your point, Vinnie but would they sell that many more tickets to make it worth playing the match at Rajamangala?

What does it hold? 60,000? It would be no more than half full. I'm with Loko on this.

Only 49,700 these days. Capacity was 65,000 before the 2007 refit.

Hmmm. That is do-able. Maybe we could ask our friends electric to come down for the day. They would fill up any spare seats.

[the_englishman]

I don't know of our average attendance but for big league games on a weekend at a sensible time we take in over 15,000. Let's allow for an extra five thousand attracted by the occasion.

Like I said, it has to be safety first, especially with the prospect of TP fans turning up.

[lokomotive]

Hmmm. That is do-able. Maybe we could ask our friends electric to come down for the day. They would fill up any spare seats.

Wouldn't it be look interesting if you have MTU and CFC sups right behind each goal and Newin's dancing crew on the oposite main stand right in between those two groups?   

[Tobi]

i will not wonder if there will be a group dressed with buriram shirts... after the final whistle someone will tell them that buriram didn't played.

[wolfman]

I don't know of our average attendance but for big league games on a weekend at a sensible time we take in over 15,000. Let's allow for an extra five thousand attracted by the occasion.

Like I said, it has to be safety first, especially with the prospect of TP fans turning up.

So you think 'English-style' chants asking whether TP fans can afford tellys to watch the matches they're banned from might be ill-advised?

How about 'Stand up if you're in the AFC Cup' to PEA (or any other) fans?

[the_englishman]

i will not wonder if there will be a group dressed with buriram shirts... after the final whistle someone will tell them that buriram didn't played.

Are you kidding? After the game someone will tell them they won!

So you think 'English-style' chants asking whether TP fans can afford tellys to watch the matches they're banned from might be ill-advised?

How about 'Stand up if you're in the AFC Cup' to PEA (or any other) fans?

It would be great fun but probably ill-advised, yes :-)

[Tobi]

Are you kidding? After the game someone will tell them they won!

I think you are right.



Tatatata... http://www.siamsport.co.th/Sport_Football/101101_252.html

In the last article they wrote now, that it is not clear who will go to the AFC Cup in case MT will win the FA Cup.

[SriRachaShark]

Are you kidding? After the game someone will tell them they won!

I think you are right.



Tatatata... http://www.siamsport.co.th/Sport_Football/101101_252.html

In the last article they wrote now, that it is not clear who will go to the AFC Cup in case MT will win the FA Cup.

What am I bid, one place in the AFC Cup?

[wolfman]

Are you kidding? After the game someone will tell them they won!

I think you are right.



Tatatata... http://www.siamsport.co.th/Sport_Football/101101_252.html

In the last article they wrote now, that it is not clear who will go to the AFC Cup in case MT will win the FA Cup.

What am I bid, one place in the AFC Cup?

This is ridiculous. They're having a meeting tomorrow to decide this? Why? Didn't they see it coming when Muang Thong entered the quarterfinals with then 2nd-placed Chonburi way back on the last weekend of August? Or even when MTU made the semis a week ago?

In fact, this should have been announced at the beginning of the season. If a team does the double, then the cup/league (delete as appropriate) runner-up claims the 2nd Asian spot.

SRS is right, this reeks of backhanders and tea-money. What a farce.

[wolfman]

i will not wonder if there will be a group dressed with buriram shirts... after the final whistle someone will tell them that buriram didn't played.

'Hey, hey, PEA
How much were you paid today?'

[SriRachaShark]

Are you kidding? After the game someone will tell them they won!

I think you are right.



Tatatata... http://www.siamsport.co.th/Sport_Football/101101_252.html

In the last article they wrote now, that it is not clear who will go to the AFC Cup in case MT will win the FA Cup.

What am I bid, one place in the AFC Cup?

This is ridiculous. They're having a meeting tomorrow to decide this? Why? Didn't they see it coming when Muang Thong entered the quarterfinals with then 2nd-placed Chonburi way back on the last weekend of August? Or even when MTU made the semis a week ago?

In fact, this should have been announced at the beginning of the season. If a team does the double, then the cup/league (delete as appropriate) runner-up claims the 2nd Asian spot.

SRS is right, this reeks of backhanders and tea-money. What a farce.

As far as I'm concerned, the whole league is a farce. As I said on another thread, I'll still go along to watch my team, meet up with friends and have a laugh but I won't be taking it seriously any more.

Relegation/promotion play offs announced during the last week of the season, still to decide whether it will be the league or FA Cup runners up to qualify for the AFC Cup should Muang Thong do the double. Read between the lines. Read between the lines.

[the_englishman]

Yeh it stinks. Chonburi should be the team to get the AFC spot and it should be decided in advance.

[Tobi]

Yeh it stinks. Chonburi should be the team to get the AFC spot and it should be decided in advance.

Agree with that 100%, they should announce before the season starts that the winner of the TPL and Chonburi FC will get the AFC spot

[the_englishman]

Yeh it stinks. Chonburi should be the team to get the AFC spot and it should be decided in advance.

Agree with that 100%, they should announce before the season starts that the winner of the TPL and Chonburi FC will get the AFC spot

That's very defeatist of you! :-)

Seriously, to leave it this late and with these "parties" involved, we all know there's only one way it's going to turn out.

[SriRachaShark]

Of course, we're all talking as if Chonburi won't win the FA Cup. However, what worries me is, if they decide that the TPL runners-up will get the spot if MT do the double, then it only takes a couple of dodgy decisions against us in the final to start tongues wagging.

Imagine if we lose to a last minute debatable penalty or have a couple of players sent off.

Hmmm.

[the_englishman]

Of course, we're all talking as if Chonburi won't win the FA Cup. However, what worries me is, if they decide that the TPL runners-up will get the spot if MT do the double, then it only takes a couple of dodgy decisions against us in the final to start tongues wagging.

Imagine if we lose to a last minute debatable penalty or have a couple of players sent off.

Hmmm.

I think we're taking a "worst case scenario" approach but of course I'm sure we all know that Chonburi are a very strong side who can beat MTU at any time, but especially in our current state of debilitation.

That said, I have faith in my side and I believe we will win. However, at least there is a silver lining in defeat in knowing the worthy team (Chonburi) will make the AFC.

[lokomotive]

"who can beat MTU at any time" ...can but not did so far. And 4:1 and 5:2 are two remarkable results in my eyes.

[Lulu]

That makes me all so sad. Why is the FA so stupid ? Football is an easy game. The rules can be understud by everyone. So the fram ( leauge ; cup etc) must be easy as well . If the people not understand what is going on they will go away. Have a look at other sports. We need a clear time table and clear regation rules. How knows how is playing next year in with league ? To much is to much FA ... that makes me all so sad.... Lulu

[SriRachaShark]

Of course, we're all talking as if Chonburi won't win the FA Cup. However, what worries me is, if they decide that the TPL runners-up will get the spot if MT do the double, then it only takes a couple of dodgy decisions against us in the final to start tongues wagging.

Imagine if we lose to a last minute debatable penalty or have a couple of players sent off.

Hmmm.

I think we're taking a "worst case scenario" approach but of course I'm sure we all know that Chonburi are a very strong side who can beat MTU at any time, but especially in our current state of debilitation.

That said, I have faith in my side and I believe we will win. However, at least there is a silver lining in defeat in knowing the worthy team (Chonburi) will make the AFC.

t_e
As you know, I think that MTU are a good footballing side and are worthy champions (again). And I think you are a very professionally run club. In our meetings in the TPL you have been the better team. I don't have a problem with that. You are certainly favourites to win the FA Cup.

However, there are certain forces at work that transcend what happens on the field. This is what I find distasteful.

I don't really need to say any more.

[the_englishman]

t_e
As you know, I think that MTU are a good footballing side and are worthy champions (again). And I think you are a very professionally run club. In our meetings in the TPL you have been the better team. I don't have a problem with that. You are certainly favourites to win the FA Cup.

However, there are certain forces at work that transcend what happens on the field. This is what I find distasteful.

I don't really need to say any more.

Kapeesh, but  you don't make your final conclusion clear. If your concern is that MTU will try to wield influence or lobby, you don't need to worry. The top 'influence' spot is taken.  We have been up against them for some time, as my match report of Buriram away should make clear. There's other strong reasons to be concerned but I'll have to tell you those in person.

In any case, if MTU management are asked I believe they would prefer Chonburi to get the second spot, should they lose the match.

[SriRachaShark]

t_e
As you know, I think that MTU are a good footballing side and are worthy champions (again). And I think you are a very professionally run club. In our meetings in the TPL you have been the better team. I don't have a problem with that. You are certainly favourites to win the FA Cup.

However, there are certain forces at work that transcend what happens on the field. This is what I find distasteful.

I don't really need to say any more.

Kapeesh, but  you don't make your final conclusion clear. If your concern is that MTU will try to wield influence or lobby, you don't need to worry. The top 'influence' spot is taken.  We have been up against them for some time, as my match report of Buriram away should make clear. There's other strong reasons to be concerned but I'll have to tell you those in person.

In any case, if MTU management are asked I believe they would prefer Chonburi to get the second spot, should they lose the match.

The comments at the end weren't intended as an attack on MT. I've just read my post again and it does seem like they were. Sorry for any confusion.

[the_englishman]

No problem. I know sometimes in Thailand we have to copy the locals and talk about things cryptically. Misunderstandings can happen :-)

[wolfman]

It's been decided. If MTU do the double, league runners-up PEA will be in the AFC Cup. In addition, Mr. Ong-Ard Kosinda also says that they're still not sure whether MTU will gain automatic entry to the ACL next year, or have to go through the play-offs again.


Also ticket allocations have been announced. Due to security concerns, fans of the two clubs will be separated (Thank you Port).
MTU have the North End (Zone N) plus Zone E1 in the Eastern Stand, & Chonburi the South (Zone S) plus Zone E2.  The Western (covered) stand is for General Admission, VIPs and sponsors.

Tickets will be 3 colours: Red for MTU, Blue for the Sharks, and Yellow for neutrals. Red and Blue tickets will be priced at 100 and 200 baht. 7000 of the 100 baht tickets will be allocated to each club to sell to their fans.
3000 Yellow tickets are available for the West Stand.

400 police (of various types) will be on duty. Please leave your alcohol, bottles, weapons and fireworks at home.

Channel 7's live coverage begins at 4pm on Saturday 28th. They are also going to try to erect a big screen to show the game to fans outside at Nimibutr Building, within National Stadium complex.

Referee's haven't been decided yet, as Thai referees aren't of a high enough standard, and FAT are looking at the possibility of foreign officials, with Japanese the preferred choice. (Japan's refs are ranked #1 in Asia)

[Lulu]

I am so angry about that. The FA is the gravedigger of thai football. It makes no sence to watch football here any more. Coz you never know what is going on.

[lokomotive]

Referee's haven't been decided yet, as Thai referees aren't of a high enough standard, and FAT are looking at the possibility of foreign officials, with Japanese the preferred choice. (Japan's refs are ranked #1 in Asia)

Alongside the questions about the decissions of today, at least that one would be a good one!!

[lokomotive]

Also ticket allocations have been announced. Due to security concerns, fans of the two clubs will be separated (Thank you Port).

..sorry wolf, but whats wrong with that? In the German Cup final the fans are seperated as well sitting behind each goal.

[Tobi]

Would be interesting how the decision would be if Buriram would be in the final against Mueang Thong and Chonburi were the runners up in the league...

I would really welcome a foreign referee!

[wolfman]

Also ticket allocations have been announced. Due to security concerns, fans of the two clubs will be separated (Thank you Port).

..sorry wolf, but whats wrong with that? In the German Cup final the fans are seperated as well sitting behind each goal.

Perhaps it's the way I translated it, making it sound as though security was the main reason. I understand your point. In fact, every Thai match I've been to has had an allocated 'Away' section. It makes sense to allocate an end to each team, as I sure each set of fans will want to sit separately.
What I'm worried about, (without knowing the exact zoning of Supachalasai) is that there will be a huge chunk of unoccupied seating on the Eastern side, to keep the fans separate. I went to BEC v Port a few weeks back, and this was the case. Like Thepsahadin, the seats at Supa aren't terribly roomy, and to be jammed in when there's plenty of empty seating nearby isn't ideal.
According to someone on here, Supa seats 26,000. The allocations above only add up to 17,000. I'm hoping there isn't a 9,000 seat section kept empty because of the actions of a few.

[Vinnie]

It's been decided. If MTU do the double, league runners-up PEA will be in the AFC Cup.

Sooo predictable. Fetid Aroma of Turpitude

[SriRachaShark]

There's so much to pick through here.

Quote - "It's been decided. If MTU do the double, league runners-up PEA will be in the AFC Cup. In addition, Mr. Ong-Ard Kosinda also says that they're still not sure whether MTU will gain automatic entry to the ACL next year, or have to go through the play-offs again."

Has there been any reason given for this decision? I'd love to hear what they have to say.

Midway through last season when the FA Cup was re-introduced the announcement was made that the winners would go through to the AFC Cup. Prior to that it was announced that it would be the TPL runners-up.





Quote - "Also ticket allocations have been announced. Due to security concerns, fans of the two clubs will be separated (Thank you Port).
MTU have the North End (Zone N) plus Zone E1 in the Eastern Stand, & Chonburi the South (Zone S) plus Zone E2.  The Western (covered) stand is for General Admission, VIPs and sponsors.

Tickets will be 3 colours: Red for MTU, Blue for the Sharks, and Yellow for neutrals. Red and Blue tickets will be priced at 100 and 200 baht. 7000 of the 100 baht tickets will be allocated to each club to sell to their fans.
3000 Yellow tickets are available for the West Stand."

Why are so few tickets being made available to the two clubs? If it's for segregation purposes, they obviously don't have much faith in the security staff. You could easliy give 10,000 tickets to Chonburi and Muang Thong and still have enough space for a no-man's land. Or do they plan giving/selling these to their cronies?

And you forgot to mention Gold Tickets. They guarantee you admission to Worawi Wonka's Chocolate Factory.







Quote -"400 police (of various types) will be on duty."

And various levels of incompetence will be employed.








Quote - "Please leave your alcohol, bottles, weapons and fireworks at home."

Oooh. I bet nobody will be drinking. We'll all be too scared of the consequences.







Quote - "Channel 7's live coverage begins at 4pm on Saturday 28th. They are also going to try to erect a big screen to show the game to fans outside at Nimibutr Building, within National Stadium complex."

So they're going to encourage possibly thousands of ticketless fans to come to the same area to watch the match on a big screen, presumably with no segregation and no alcohol ban? Whilst inside the stadium there will be vast expanses of empty terracing to keep rival fans apart. Genius!!







Quote - "Referee's haven't been decided yet, as Thai referees aren't of a high enough standard, and FAT are looking at the possibility of foreign officials, with Japanese the preferred choice. (Japan's refs are ranked #1 in Asia)"

They are obviously talking about a different set of Thai referees who officiate up and down the country week in week out throughout the season. Why not just pick the officials from the group who are considered good enough to oversee league games every week?

[wolfman]

SRS, please allow for the fact I translate very broadly, and that Mrs Wolf, when called upon (like last night) isn't familiar with the ins and outs of football.

* I didn't see a reason for the decision, but I was more concerned with what the actual decision was. What concerns me is that I couldn't find a direct quote saying the Chonburi would be in Asia should they win the Cup.

* It does say 7000 of the 100 baht tickets will be allocated to both clubs. I don't know how many 200 baht tickets are available, and who will get their mitts on them, but that may mean more fans do get in. Also, prices weren't given for the Yellow zone.

* I've no idea where the Nimibut building is, but both Mrs. Wolf and I agreed it sounded as though it was at National Stadium. I agree, this sounds like recipe for disaster. Surely the space between Paragon and Siam Discovery, just down the road, would be perfect.

* The sentence regarding the refs went something like '... foreign referees, because at the present time, Thai referees are not ?? ' Mrs Wolf couldn't think of the English word for ??, so I suggested 'not good enough', which she agreed was the gist of it.

Given your worries about influence, I thought you'd welcome guest referees. My only concern is that these officials will be put up in the Pullman King Power Hotel, and given Bt100,000 vouchers to spend at the Duty Free Shop there.