Dance, Dance, Dance To The Radio
by Dale Farrington
In 2009, Chonburi invited South Korean Christian club, Hallelujah FC, to participate in the pre season Queen's Cup tournament. They were a neat, tidy passing team, who eventually went on to lift the trophy after beating BEC Tero in the final. However, it is the events of the semi final that concern us today.
After qualifying as runners-up in the group stages, the overseas side were drawn to play the hosts - and favourites - Chonburi at the Princess Srindhorn Stadium, SriRacha, on Friday the 20th of February - my mum's birthday, and me and my wife's wedding anniversary! The first half was an evenly matched, entertaining affair, but it paled into comparison with the events during the break. For, instead of leaving the field after the referee blew his whistle, the visitors starting XI lined up in front of the main stand, where they were joined by the substitutes and the coaching staff.
What happened next, remains one of the greatest things I've ever witnessed on a football field - and I've seen Andy Ritchie play. On cue, and in time to the loud music that was now blaring from the public address system, the entire entourage launched into an elaborate, choreographed dance routine.
After the initial shock had worn off, the crowd sensed we were seeing something very special indeed and everyone started to clap - and in some cases, dance - along with the Koreans. It was an incredible sight. After the song had finished, the most almighty cheer went up, the dancers acknowledged the reception and then promptly took up their positions for the start of the second period.
A few of the Chonburi players had wandered out of the changing rooms to see what was going on during the break, and what they witnessed must have had an effect on our performance. We faded badly in the last forty five minutes and ended up losing on penalties. But I don't think anybody cared!
nb Sadly, the photo accompanying this article isn't from Srindhorn, but one I found on the internet
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