V. League club, player receive warning over foul attitude

According to Vietnam Professional Football JSC (VPF), Phuong overreacted against referee Nguyen Viet Duan during the V. League game between HAGL and Becamex Binh Duong on May 2.

"The incident was offensive and received negative feedback from the media and fans, affecting the image of the tournament in general and HAGL in particular. We recommend HAGL remind all players, coaches and staff about behaving properly to avoid violations that can affect the interests of the club. At the same time, we warn player Nguyen Cong Phuong not to repeat his actions in the next games," VPF commented.

In the 78th minute, with the score 2-2, HAGL deployed a quick counter-attack. Phuong, receiving the ball mid-field, committed a foul while attempting to dribble past Binh Duong defender Nguyen Anh Tai, winning him a yellow card.

The 27-year-old, unhappy with the referee's decision, threw a water bottle over Duan's head and proceeded to the sidelines despite being called back.

A VPF official said referee Duan should have given Phuong a second yellow for his attitude.

Phuong will be absent from the next league game against Than Quang Ninh, having accumulated a string of yellow cards since the start of the season.

Previously, referees were required to act stricter when players overreact. In the second round, Nigerian defender Kelly Oahimijie of Hong Linh Ha Tinh was sent off for overreacting after being dealt a yellow card.