Aitsaret Noichaiboon has been handed a three-year ban by the Football Association of Thailand for a vicious blow to the face of an opponent during a Thai League 3 match last Sunday.
The former Bangkok FC player who some have advised to consider going into marshal art or boxing dished out a Muay Thai-style elbow stike that left North Bangkok University FC’s Supasan Ruangsuphanimit needing 24 stitches on the upper lip.
An investigating panel set up by the FAT unanimously found Aitsaret guilty of breaching the association’s code of conduct for professional players.
Pol Lt Gen Amnuay Nimmano, chairman of the FAT disciplinary committee, announced Monday that an order banning Aitsaret for three years had been signed by FAT president Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang.
Aitsaret has been barred from taking part in all activities organised by the FAT effective immediately.
A number of Thai football commentators say they have been disappointed by the leniency showed by the FAT as it was widely expected that the ex-Bangkok FC player would be banned for life.
The incident took place when Bangkok FC were trailing 3-0 in their Thai League 3 promotion play-off clash at North Bangkok University.
Supasan clipped Aitsaret during the closing stages of the match. Aitsaret reacted by throwing a devastating elbow into his opponent’s face, instantly flooring him.
READ ALSO WCQ: ‘Nothing to lose’: North Macedonia eye playoff shock against Italy
A video of the attack went viral and Bangkok FC terminated Aitsaret’s contract the next day.
The FAT disciplinary committee held a hearing on Thursday after which Aitsaret hugged Supasan and apologised for the incident.
“I would like to apologise for what I did on that day,” said the former Bangkok FC player. “It was an emotional moment and I couldn’t control myself.
“I am sorry and I apologise to Supasan, his team and everyone else for the incident.”