Myanmar is all geared up to host the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December 2013. The SEA Games is the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia. The opening ceremony is being planned at the newly built Wunna Theikdi stadium which has the capacity to accommodate 30,000 spectators. In addition the stadium will be the venue for other sports tournaments and major soccer matches.
The question that arises is, are we ready for an event of such magnitude? If recent incidents are any indication, we are not. Such incidents tarnish the reputation of peace loving and friendly Myanmar people and the entire country. A soccer match turned ugly at the Naypyitaw stadium on 4th August.
The unruliness that took place in domestic matches can certainly rear its ugly head again during international sports events during the SEA Games.
Similar attacks by unruly crowd also took place in the World Cup qualifier soccer match between the Myanmar and Oman team in July 2011 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon. Over enthusiastic Myanmar fans threw missiles of umbrellas, footwear, water bottles, etc. forcing the referee to stop the match after 39 minutes in the first half.
As a result of this humiliating act, the Myanmar team suffered a loss of 2:0. The FIFA also ordered the Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) to pay a penalty of US$ 30,000.
An overview of these two incidents of disturbances created by the unruly mob of fans shows that there were security lapses, mismanagement by the sports authority and lack of proper arrangements.
For example, at the Yangon Thuwunna Stadium incident on July 2011, the collapsible iron grill door at main entry gate was damaged when eager spectators pushed to enter the stadium. They all had entry tickets which they displayed at the entry gate. The damaged iron-grill door caved in under the pressure of the crowd pushing against it. The uncontrollable crowed rushed into the stadium after it. It is fair to say that the incident is a result of mis-management in the arrangements made by the sports authority.
The other unfortunate incident on August 4, 2013 happened due to security lapses. The disturbance in the stadium was sparked by a brawl among the fans. The MFF had requested the Region Government to provide security cover for the football match but the latter could not provide adequate security personnel. The incident could have been kept under control had there been enough security police.
One cannot assume that mis-management and security lapses will not happen again in the future. The host country should ensure that there is no re-occurrence of mob unrests during international sports events in general and SEA Games in particular. It is also the responsibility of the fans and spectators of matches in Myanmar to preserve and promote Myanmar's good reputation and image.
It is natural human instinct to cheer and support one's home team in international sports events. But the fans should preserve sporting spirit by consciously avoiding unruliness and impolite behavior in the future.
