Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik accused of 'unsportsmanlike' conduct in Indonesia clash

Coach Kim Sang-sik bows at referee Koji Takasaki after being given a yellow card for allegedly trying to disrupt a throw-in by Indonesia in their clash against Vietnam at the ASEAN U23 Championship final in Gelaro Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, July 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress

In stoppage time of the second half at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, Indonesia were awarded a throw-in from about 45 m out. Long throw-in specialist Robi Darwis stood near the technical area of Vietnam, preparing to take the throw. However, Japanese referee Koji Takasaki stopped the match due to an altercation between coach Kim and members of the Indonesia coaching staff.

Initially, Takasaki intended to resume play, but after consulting with an assistant referee, he reversed his decision and issued a yellow card to Kim. The South Korean coach responded with bows toward the referee.

Moments later, the match was disrupted again when Indonesia assistant coach Damian Van Rensburg stormed into the Vietnam technical area and threw water bottles that he picked up near the sideline. He was then sent off. The match eventually resumed, but Darwis' throw-in was quickly cleared and Takasaki blew the final whistle.

Several Indonesian outlets, including IDN Times, criticized Kim's behavior.

"During the second half, Kim slightly interfered with Darwis' earlier throw-in, but the 21-year-old player remained silent," the newspaper wrote. "Near the end, Kim again tried to prevent Darwis from taking the throw, prompting the player to shout at him."

CNN Indonesia described Kim's actions as "unsportsmanlike," adding that Indonesian head coach Gerald Vanenburg was visibly upset.

"The technical area of Vietnam placed multiple water bottles near the sideline and made it difficult for Darwis' run-up, which angered both the player and coach Vanenburg," the site said.

However, some outlets praised Kim for once again becoming a nightmare of Indonesia.

"Two tournaments, two titles. Kim Sang-sik becomes the new Park Hang-seo in Vietnam," Liputan6 wrote.

Coach Kim Sang-sik celebrates after the ASEAN U23 Championship final win over Indonesia on July 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Hai Tu

At the 2024 ASEAN Cup, Kim led Vietnam to a 1-0 win over Indonesia in the group stage, knocking them out of the tournament, and later guided Vietnam to their third title. Less than a year later, he helped the U23 team secure their third consecutive ASEAN championship with another 1-0 win over Indonesia in the final. Kim has become the first coach to win both the ASEAN Cup and ASEAN U23 Championship in the same year.

During Park Hang-seo's stint, Vietnam remained unbeaten against Indonesia in five matches (three wins, two draws). Park's U22 team also defeated Indonesia in both the group stage and final of the SEA Games 30, and again in the group stage of the SEA Games 31.

Sports site Bola praised U23 Vietnam's well-organized defense, which neutralized striker Jens Raven.

"Kim has not only adjusted the team's tactics from Philippe Troussier's era but also created a healthy locker room atmosphere," the site wrote. "In a short time, Kim has become Indonesia's nightmare, as we haven't scored a single goal in two matches against Vietnam under his watch."

 

 

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik accused of 'unsportsmanlike' conduct in Indonesia clash

H/L Việt Nam Indonesia