Referee capers

Thong Chankethya - never far from trouble

Controversy is never far from referee Thong Chankethya. And yesterday afternoon was no exception with the match official dismissing three Army players as they were downed 3-1 by the National Police, who moved to the top of the Metfone C-League table. Games between the services and military departments always have an extra edge that often boils over and this was no different. Chankethya issued his first red card in less than ten minutes to Army skipper Khek Khemarin and then whipped it out again to dismiss Cambodia's number 1 goalkeeper Sou Yaty with twenty minutes to go. Yaty didn't go quietly with the Army team incensed by the decision. Add a third red card for Ung Dara and the Defense Ministry team will not want to see Chankethya in charge of their games for a long while. As for the Police, they handled the situation by scoring goals and keeping out of trouble, with midfielder Man Ritavann netting a hat-trick. Phlong Chanthou scored for Army. The next batch of games this weekend will see Naga take on Preah Khan Reach in Saturday's early start, followed by Phnom Penh Crown against Chhlam Samuth. Missing from Crown's line-up will be the suspended pair of Emmanuel Frimpong and Henry Asonibe as well as the ligament-damaged Kouch Sokumpheak. Sunday's games will pair Kirivong with Western Uni and BBU against Boeung Ket.