In brief
Bangkok FC immediately fired Noichaiboon and banned him from football for three years after he elbowed his opponent in the Muay Thai manner.
He appealed the ban and expressed regret for his acts, but he was barred until March 2025.
Although Noichaiboon stated regret and a wish for atonement, it’s unclear if any organisation will risk signing him after his ban.
One of the most dangerous acts of violence in football in a long time occurred in 2022 when a Thai football player attacked one of his opponents during a game. Over the years, the Premier League has seen a few careless fouls, but none have been as bad as this one. In March, Aitsaret Noichaiboon, a player for Bangkok FC in Thailand’s third division, elbowed Supasan Ruangsuphanimit of Bangkok University FC in the Muay Thai style.
Bangkok FC was behind 3-0 at the end of the game after Ruangsuphanimit clipped Noichaiboon following a tackle. After stumbling, Noichaiboon turned red and rushed in the direction of his opponent. When he arrived to Ruangsuphanimit, he delivered a terrible elbow to the face, causing the victim to fall to the ground.
He was clearly given a red card, and as a result, Ruangsuphanimit’s facial wound required twenty-four stitches. Noichaiboon, who had only joined Bangkok FC a few months prior, was instantly fired by his team and banned from football for three years. Bangkok FC quickly issued a statement after the event, announcing that they had chosen to terminate Noichaiboon’s contract and denouncing his conduct.
In order to [take a] stand, Bangkok FC would choose not to back the action. The player’s contract has been terminated by the club.
“The club would like to express our condolences for the incident and will do everything possible to stop this happening again.”
A statement regarding the player’s wellbeing was also issued by North Bangkok University FC, which stated: “[He] has had a physical examination at Bangpakok-Rangsit 2 Hospital after player No 6 of the Bangkok FC club purposefully attacked his face.
“They discovered a serious wound on the area of the upper lip after visiting a doctor. In order to cover the wound, the doctor sewed 24 stitches in total. The club will take responsibility and care of things.
Noichaiboon Apologised For His Actions
He said he couldn’t control himself
Noichaiboon apologised for his behaviour after the frenzied attack and was banned for three years. He issued a statement expressing regret to Supasan and all those engaged in the tragedy that day.
“I want to express my regret for what I did that day. I lost self-control because it was an emotional occasion. I apologise to Supasan, his team, and any others involved in the situation.
Following the incident, there were rumours that Noichaiboon was also a skilled Muay Thai fighter. Although the Premier League has produced several really fierce football players throughout the years, relatively few of them were true part-time fighters. Although a three-year ban was warranted given the seriousness of the incident and the effect it had on Supasan—the player required medical attention—Noichaiboon wasn’t prepared to take it without a fight.
The three-year ban was still appealed by Noichaiboon.
It was maintained.
Noichaiboon challenged the ruling and attempted to have the ban lifted or even reduced, even though he felt bad and took responsibility for his acts. He told Kom Chad Luek that even though he felt bad and regretted what he had done, he still wanted to play football and hoped that the people in charge would acknowledge his repentance and give him another chance to prove himself on the pitch.
“I regret the carelessness with which I acted.” I still enjoy playing football, though. I kindly request that the Football Association of Thailand take this situation into consideration and review it.
“I hope I could still play professional football, but I’m willing to accept responsibility for my actions. I’m prepared to change for the better and promise that this behaviour won’t occur again.
His appeal was, of course, futile. In 2023, he told the Athletic that he thought his ban was too harsh. He stated:
“Even if I acknowledge my actions, I still believe a three-year suspension was excessive. It would have been appropriate to give myself a year so that I could return and demonstrate that I had learnt from my error.
He joined Shell FC, a local amateur team that plays in tournaments with other amateur teams, and soon got a full-time job to help pay his bills. Although his ban ended in December 2024, he has now served his time; nonetheless, it is unclear if a team is willing to risk the now 30-year-old. ‘Difficult’ to locate a new club, Noichaiboon himself acknowledged.
“I apologise for my actions. I’ll show everyone that I’m not an aggressive player like in the video if I have the chance to play again,” he stated.
It wouldn’t be shocking if no one felt comfortable reintegrating him into the group and letting him play football on their behalf, given his abilities. However, one thing is for sure: Bangkok University FC will not be contacting anyone.
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