A red card was handed to a Thai footballer when he unexpectedly pinched a rival player’s genitals during a match.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (3 Dec) night during the AFC Champions League Elite clash between the two Southeast Asian teams.
According to ESPN, the two teams faced off with hopes of securing their spot in the Round of 16.
Although the match ended in a scoreless draw, the result didn’t reflect the drama that unfolded during the game.
About 13 minutes into the game, Murilo — one of the players from Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim — was handed a red card for a last-man foul.
Thai Club Buriram United, with the numbers advantage, seemingly had the momentum in their favour.
But in a surprising twist, an unconventional act by one of the Thai players evened the playing field.
In the final minute of the first half, Theerathon Bunmathan of Buriram United fell to the ground after Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman fouled him on the wing.
While initially expressing exasperation at the call, Aiman soon offered Bunmathan a hand.
Seemingly accepting his gesture, the Thai footballer slowly gets up. However, he suddenly pinched the Malaysian footballer in the crotch with his right hand.
Immediately, Mr Aiman fell to the ground in apparent agony. He rolled multiple times on the grass while holding his crotch.
Although the referee did not see it happening in real-time, he was soon called to the touchline.
With help from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee was shown a replay of Bunmathan reaching for Aiman’s groin.
The Thai footballer was unsurprisingly shown a red card after the VAR review.
Also read: Football player in Peru dies after being struck by lightning during match, 4 others injured
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from The AFC Hub on YouTube.
A "get well soon" message from Mr Anwar and his wife was included.
The husband and wife have been embroiled in controversy long before he won the presidency…
Both the website and app, as well as physical outlets, were affected.
Only three of the attackers have been identified by the police, with two already arrested.
He threatened to kill the family to maintain her silence.
The author's will was published shortly after news of her death.