The Bangkok Post reports:
A football match between the government and the opposition yesterday was supposed to be a friendly but it turned into an ill-tempered match marred by a walk-out and verbal sparring resembling a chaotic parliamentary session. The match at the Army stadium pitted Democrat members and senators against the government, comprising a large number of MPs from the coalition-leading People Power party (PPP).
The ugly scenes were seen nationwide as they were televised live on the state-run National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT).
Captained by Phichit MP Narapt Kaewthong and wearing blue, the opposition team included Rayong MP Sathit Pitutecha, Pattani MP Anwar Salae and Sen Anusak Kongmalai.
Science and Technology Minister Wuthipong Chaisaeng, Deputy Education Minister Boonlue Prasertsopha, Lop Buri MP Suchart Lainamngern and Bangkok MP Karun Hosakul were among the government players who wore red.
The government proved stronger and led comfortably 4-0 in the first half. But the match became tense when Mr Karun, who allegedly attacked Democrat MP Somkiat Pongpaibul on April 2, came onto the field.
The Democrats then walked off in protest at Mr Karun's presence.
The ill-feeling continued in the second half after the Democrats refused to play on unless the government replaced Mr Karun with another player.
The government team finally had to send on its substitutes in the second half to make up the ranks of the opposing team, while most of the Democrat players sat on the grandstand or left the pitch.
The government team finally beat the hastily-gathered opposing team 9-4.
''I don't understand why they [the Democrats] have to mix politics with sports,'' complained Mr Karun.
The Democrats claimed Mr Karun made impolite remarks to them in the dressing room before and after the match.
The Nation:
Karun got loud cheers from his supporters during the match. And he showed to them an "I love you" symbol in sign language.
In the locker room, he also challenged the opposition to begin its impeachment proceedings against him, according to a Democrat source.
BP: Was the fact that they were losing 4-0 at the time have anything to do with it? The whole game is an analogy.
To be fair, I wouldn't want to play football with a man who has kung-fu kicked a fellow in my party.
And Karun should resign instead of acting like a little bully.
Monty Python and their Philosophy Football Match with Germany versus Greece were funnier. Much more.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ur5fGSBsfq8&feature=related
The government football is indeed an analogy.
For "stupidy" and "pathetic".