Chinese fans hit by projectiles from Thailand supporters as security step in after World Cup qualifier clash
- Tempers flare in the stands as visitors leave Bangkok with 2-1 victory from 2026 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifier on Thursday
- China come from behind with goals from Wu Lei and substitute Wang Shangyuan, before ugly scenes at final whistle
China’s men’s national football team got their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign off to a fine start with a 2-1 away victory against Thailand on Thursday night.
But there were unsavoury scenes at the final whistle at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, where China came from behind to take all three points in their group C encounter, as the second phase of Asian qualifying for the 2026 finals got under way.
Sarach Yooyen had opened the scoring for the world No 112-ranked hosts from long range after 23 minutes, but Wu Lei equalised with a tap-in just six minutes later.
Substitute Wang Shangyuan then headed home the winner for Aleksandar Jankovic’s visitors in the 74th minute.
But as China’s players finished their farewells to the travelling fans and left the pitch, video footage showed home supporters throwing rubbish and unfinished drinks bottles into the away section while also trying to provoke them with physical gestures.
Some Thai fans even appeared to try to climb the guardrail between the sections as the Chinese supporters celebrated their side’s win.
