The Thailand FA (FAT) has banned cheering at next month’s World Cup qualifier against Australia as the nation mourns the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Thailand initially tried to change the venue of the November 15 match after the Thai king died last Thursday, but Australia refused the request, according to the FAT.
FAT considered playing the game behind closed doors but has decided to admit fans with restrictions on cheering and what they wear, said FAT spokesman Patit Suphaphongs.
“All cheering and props such as drums, amplifiers and banners will be banned inside the stadium,” he told AFP.
Fans will also be barred from sporting team colours
“They must wear black, white, grey or other sombre colours,” said Patit, adding that donning black ribbons will also be acceptable.
Most Thais have been dressed in similar mourning attire since the king’s death, with government staff ordered to dress in this way for the entire year.
Thailand’s military has asked the public to “tone down” entertainment for at least 30 days. Advertisers have turned their billboards black for a month and dozens of events have been cancelled.
The FAT has already cancelled the remainder of the domestic football season and said league rankings as they stood on October 14 will determine the champions and relegation candidates.
Muangthong United were crowned Thai League champions, while two of the three clubs to be relegated might have stayed up had the remaining three rounds of matches been played.However, the decision is unlikely to be contested in a country where lese-majesty laws make it a crime to criticise members of the royal family.
