Fans will be allowed to cheer during an upcoming football match between Thailand and Australia on 15th November, local media announced. The World Cup qualifying fixture will be held at Rajamangala National Stadium and has been allowed to proceed as normal after the government announced that strict mourning rules in place since the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej would be eased on 14th November.
The future of the match has been surrounded in uncertainty since news of The King’s passing was first announced on 13th October. The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) wrote to both FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, and their Australian counterparts to ask if the match could be moved or rescheduled, but neither option was deemed to be feasible.
The FAT then agreed to host the game as planned, but had ordered fans to stay muted in keeping with the solemn mood of the country. In addition to wearing black, fans from both sides were asked not to cheer or show joy. According to media reports, the Thailand football’s governing body relaxed the rules after speaking with the government. It was recently announced that entertainment activities can start returning to normal after the 30-day mourning period has been observed.
“Football fans who attend the match can use cheering equipment, show symbols and cheer,” FAT deputy general secretary Patit Suphaphongs was quoted as saying by the Bangkok Post.
Thailand football matches tend to be lively occasions with fans cheering, playing drums, chanting and supporting their team in other ways. Additionally, fans from Australia will also be in attendance and also cheer in a similar manner. Patit did advise fans to dress in an appropriate which likely means wearing black and white.
Sporting events, concerts and even televised soap operas have been cancelled during the 30-day mourning period and will be allowed to resume once again on 14th November as long they are not proactive or offensive.
