Azkals receive death threats, take extra security ahead of Thailand match

MANILA, Philippines – Management of the Philippine national football team have made extra arrangements with the Philippine embassy, Thai organizers, and others for security reasons ahead of the team’s match against Thailand on Wednesday, December 10, in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

According to Azkals team manager Dan Palami, members of the team have been receiving death threats through social media, which has led to the extra security measures taken by the team.

“Normally we don’t take it seriously but with what has been happening in past matches where some fans are taking it to the next level, I think it’s better to be on the safe side than on the sorry side,” Palami said according to reports.

Some of the extra precautions that has been taken includes disallowing players from leaving their hotels and the additional of security escorts during team functions.

(RELATED: Azkals ready to take win against Thailand)

The Hong Kong Football Association was fined nearly P1.5 million following a June 2013 game against the Azkals in which Hong Kong fans taunted the Philippine side by shouting “You’re all just slaves” and throwing trash following a 1-0 Azkals friendly match win.

During Thailand and Philippines’ first leg match in Manila last Saturday, December 4, Azkals defender Amani Aguinaldo got into an altercation with Thai Adisak Kraisom, which led to a red card for the visiting team’s player and a suspension for the second leg on Wednesday.

Both clubs fought each other to a 0-0 draw the last time they squared off on December 6. – Rappler.com