Unbelievable reaction from the Philippine Football Federation as the Lao referee 'bears' the consequences

The newest celebration post from the Philippine women's football team regarding SEA Games 33 has once again stirred up past disputes, as numerous supporters argue that the win against Vietnam was connected to a major refereeing mistake.

One week after the conclusion of SEA Games 33, the official page of the Philippine Football Federation unexpectedly shared an emotional message: “Just a week ago… who knew those were the best days, living right in the midst of a dream”. This spirited celebratory post quickly spread but simultaneously sparked a wave of strong reactions from Vietnamese and Southeast Asian fans.

Many Vietnamese supporters expressed anger, claiming the Philippine women's football team continued to praise their victory without mentioning the controversial incident in the final. One user harshly commented: “If it weren't for the unbelievable offside flag raised by the Lao referee, history would have taken a different course”. Another opinion stated: “Celebrations are fine, but at least acknowledge the legitimate goal by Vietnam that was disallowed”.

Previously, the Philippine Football Federation had also posted a summary of the women's championship journey, completely overlooking the disallowed goal by Bich Thuy at the 30th minute. The federation president John Anthony Gutierrez affirmed: “Philippines came to the SEA Games not just to participate, but to win and earn respect”. According to him, the women's football gold medal symbolizes a significant transformation in the country's football scene.

From the Philippine perspective, SEA Games 33 is considered a historic milestone. The Philippine Football Federation described the tournament's conclusion as “a pivotal moment, showcasing the strongest collective performance of Philippine football and futsal at the SEA Games”.

The president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Abraham Tolentino, also emphasized: “Defeating Thailand and Vietnam, both with rich football traditions, makes this gold medal even more meaningful”.

Nevertheless, controversy still surrounds the women's football final. After 120 minutes of a 0-0 draw, the Philippine women's team won 6-5 in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel becoming the hero. However, many believe the outcome would have been different if Vietnam's valid goal had not been disallowed due to the Lao referee Phutsavan Chanthavong's error.

Not only Vietnamese fans but also many Southeast Asian supporters voiced their opinions. One comment from the region said: “Philippine women's football has genuinely improved, but SEA Games 33 still leaves a stain due to the referee's mistake”. Meanwhile, Philippine fans defended their team: “We won in the penalty shootout—that's the spirit, and no one can deny it”.

Although the AFC has not announced any official sanctions, the Lao female referee is expected to have limited future assignments. For fans, each celebratory post from the Philippines now unintentionally rekindles unresolved memories, turning this historic victory into a prolonged controversy after SEA Games 33.