Drama in the 2025 SEA Games women's football final: Vietnam was denied a goal despite no offside and ultimately lost to the Philippines, missing out on the gold medal.
Aftermath of the 33rd SEA Games women's football gold medal match saw the Philippines win on penalties against Vietnam 6-5 after a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes, claiming their first SEA Games women's football gold. Meanwhile, the "Golden Stars" team took the silver medal.
However, controversy arose over a moment in the first half at the 30th minute when Vietnam crossed the ball into the penalty area and headed it into the net.
But the assistant referee raised the flag for offside, despite slow-motion replays clearly showing no offside.
As expected, many Vietnamese fans were strongly displeased, flooding social media with comments criticizing the assistant referee, some mistakenly thinking she was Thai, though she was actually from Laos, and even harshly criticizing the host country, Thailand, as follows:
"This is a dirty match you organized, including the referees. Though Vietnam lost, we remain proud of our Golden Stars warriors."
"Thailand, the host, will do whatever they want, won't they?"
"How can Thai people be proud of such a dirty and scandalous SEA Games competition?"
Before some Thai users responded, clarifying, "Angry at the referees but blaming the host is confusing. The referee is Laotian, not Thai."