Khon Kaen United player Wasusiwakit Phusirit lost consciousness and was given CPR on the pitch during his side's Thai second-division match against Muang Loei United on the evening of 25 October, Dân trí reported. He was taken to Ratchaphruek hospital and, according to initial reports, has regained consciousness. The referee, who allowed play to continue for more than a minute after the incident, has drawn criticism.
Timeline of the incident
Based on Dân trí's report, the key moments in the round-8 fixture were:
- Wasusiwakit was knocked unconscious in a heavy collision with an opponent. Thai media, cited by Dân trí, said he took an elbow full in the face.
- Play went on for more than a minute before the referee realised how serious the situation was.
- Coaching staff, team officials and the medical team then rushed on to check on him, gave first aid and performed CPR.
- After treatment he began to respond and was taken to Ratchaphruek hospital.
- Initial information says he came round after arriving at hospital and is being closely monitored by doctors.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Thai second division, round 8 |
| Date | Evening of 25 October |
| Match | Khon Kaen United v Muang Loei United |
| Result | Khon Kaen United won 4-2 |
| Injured player | Wasusiwakit Phusirit (Khon Kaen United) |
| Hospital | Ratchaphruek |
Coach questions the referee
After the game, Khon Kaen United coach Supachai Khomsin confirmed that his player was unconscious when the medical staff reached him and only responded after receiving help. He said referees need to spot abnormal signs in a player early and stop the game in time to keep players safe.
That delay is what upset people most: the match carried on for more than a minute after the collision, and only then did the coaching and medical staff get on to the pitch to treat Wasusiwakit.
Khon Kaen United won the match 4-2, but Dân trí noted that the result was not what mattered most afterwards. Many fans instead sent messages wishing Wasusiwakit a quick recovery.
What's next
Khon Kaen United have not yet said how serious Wasusiwakit's injury is. Until the club gives an official update, he remains under close observation by doctors at Ratchaphruek hospital.