Thai midfielder Supachok locks Facebook, disables Instagram comments amid backlash over ASEAN Cup final goal

Vietnam secured their third ASEAN Cup title on Sunday night in a dramatic final, defeating Thailand 3-2 in the second leg to achieve a 5-3 aggregate victory.

The controversy began in the second half when Supachok capitalized on a throw-in to strike a long-range shot, giving Thailand a 2-1 lead. Vietnamese players immediately protested, prompting the referee to briefly stop the match.

The situation unfolded after Vietnam goalkeeper Nguyen Dinh Trieu threw the ball out of play to allow medical staff to assist midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. When play resumed, instead of returning the ball to Vietnam as a fair play gesture, Supachok seized the opportunity to score.

Thai midfielder Supachok Sarachat. Photo courtersy of Supachok Sarachat's Instagram

Following the match, Supachok's social media accounts were flooded with critical and offensive comments from Vietnamese fans. The tone of the comments later shifted to ridicule, focusing on Thailand’s defeat and Supachok’s goal.

Not only Vietnamese fans but also many others across the region viewed the incident as lacking sportsmanship and described it as 'shameful' on the part of the Thai player.

By midnight on Monday, Supachok’s official Facebook page became inaccessible though it remains unclear whether this was due to user deactivation or account suspension.

On Instagram, he disabled the comment section for all posts.