Ratchaburi Mitr Phol manager Tanawat Nitikanchana has announced a temporary leave of absence following his involvement in a violent incident with Chonburi striker Thiago Cunha during a Thai League 1 match last Saturday.
The incident, which took place during the first half of an eventual 5-1 Ratchaburi victory, was sparked when Tanawat reportedly slapped the back of Cunha’s head after the Brazilian had doused him with drinking water, resulting in the mass brawl between the staff and players of both teams.
“I am here to assume responsibility for what happened and would like to apologise to both teams and their fans. I don’t know what sort of punishment I will receive,” Tanawat said in a press conference on Monday, according to the Bangkok Post.
“Until further developments, Robert Procuerer will act as Ratchaburi manager and I will not interfere in his job.”
The brawl ended with Cunha being sent off with a straight red card, and the Brazilian is likely to face further punishment by league officials.