Team forfeit match to protest referee decision in women’s football league

By Hoang Nguyen October 6, 2020 | 11:00 pm PT

Phong Phu Ha Nam players sit in the last minutes of the game against HCMC to oppose the referee's decision, October 6, 2020. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Football Federation.

Phong Phu Ha Nam refused to continue playing in protest against a penalty award in a national football women’s league match on Tuesday, and forfeited the game.

In the 89th minute of their match against HCMC I, with the score tied 1-1, the latter got a corner.

Just as midfielder Tran Thi Thuy Trang was presented with a tap-in header off the resultant play, she was pushed by Ha Nam midfielder Tran Thi Lan Anh.

But the Ha Nam players did not think referee Tran Thi Thanh’s decision was fair and tried to convinced her in vain they had not committed a foul.

When she refused to budge, the Ha Nam players sat on the pitch in protest. Head coach Nguyen The Cuong stood by them before leaving the field.

Organizers tried to convince the players to continue the game for 30 minutes but failed to do so.

The referee had no choice but to blow the final whistle.

Under league regulations, Ha Nam lost the match 0-3 for failing to finish it. They possibly face further sanctions.

With seven points from five games, Ha Nam are not serious title contenders. HCMC scored their fifth win and remained in top spot.

Hanoi I is in second place two points behind.

HCMC and Hanoi clash on October 10.