South Korean coach escapes punishment after altercation during football match

According to an announcement by VFF, the yellow cards given to coach Gong of CAHN and defender Kien of Nam Dinh FC in the match were reasonable penalties. Therefore, both were only given a warning and no extra punishment was required.

However, another member of CAHN, deputy team leader Le Xuan Hai, was fined VND5 million (US$206).

He received three yellow cards in previous games and was not allowed to take part in the match against Nam Dinh, but deliberately joined team activities such as warming up on the field with the players and entering the dressing room.

In the 34th minute of the match on Dec. 9 at Thien Truong Stadium, where Nam Dinh drew 2-2 against CAHN, coach Gong protested the referee's decision not to grant his team a throw-in and delayed the game by holding onto the ball with his foot when CAHN were leading 1-0.

During the incident, as Kien was retrieving the ball, he made contact with Gong. The South Korean coach became agitated, swung his arms and took off his jacket aggressively.

After the match, Gong said he was hit in the chest and could not remain calm. He also said that Kien had apologized to him, so he no longer harbored any hard feelings.

Given the public uproar over the incident, on Tuesday, V. League organizer, Vietnam Professional Football JSC (VPF), proposed additional penalties for coach Gong and Kien for negatively affecting the league’s image.

Regarding the violation at Quy Nhon Stadium during the match that Binh Dinh lost 3-2 to Thanh Hoa the same day, the stadium organizers were fined VND30 million for failing to ensure security and safety.

During and after match, fans threw water bottles and other objects onto the field at referees and members of Thanh Hoa. Subsequently, the bus that carried Thanh Hoa players was surrounded by fans outside the stadium, requiring security to escort them back to the hotel.

VFF gave the Binh Dinh coaching staff a warning, while deputy team leader Vo Viet Tuan was banned for four matches and fined VND15 million.

Tuan was identified as the one who chased and cursed Thanh Hoa players as they headed to the tunnel.

Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa doctor Duong Tien Ky was banned for four matches and fined VND10 million dong.

Ky was found to have delayed the match by not allowing the team to carry an injured player off the field. His actions also provoked Binh Dinh players, leading to a clash and he received a red card.