Hanoi FC win appeal against stadium ban

By Lam Thoa   April 27, 2019 | 04:53 am PT
Hanoi FC win appeal against stadium ban
Fans from the northern province of Hai Phong light up flares at the Hang Day Stadium April 21, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy
Hanoi FC has successfully appealed the decision to make them play their next V. League 1 match behind closed doors.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had punished the home team Hanoi FC for "allowing" opposition fans, Hai Phong supporters, to light flares at Hanoi's Hang Day stadium.

On April 24, VFF sanctioned Hanoi FC with a stadium ban and a VND70 million ($3,000) fine.

Hai Phong FC, on the other hand, were only given a VND70 million fine.

Hanoi FC filed an appeal against the decision.

The VFF’s Complaint Department considered the appeal and removed the stadium ban but kept the VND70 million fine.

Therefore, the Hang Day stadium will be open for fans to attend Hanoi FC’s match against current league leaders Ho Chi Minh City FC on April 27.

"Hai Phong supporters directly violated the rules," said a representative of VFF’s Complaint Department.

"Comparing the two clubs’ sanctions, we do not agree that Hanoi FC should receive the heavier one since Hai Phong supporters were to blame entirely. According to Article 68, Point 2, Paragraph b of VFF’s rules, if the opposition supporters break the rules, they will be liable."

When Hai Phong met Hanoi at the Hang Day Stadium last Sunday on match day 6 of V. League 1, Hai Phong supporters lit up the stands with flares, making life difficult for other spectators and the players.

The situation went from bad to worse when Hanoi’s Pape Omar missed a penalty in the 41st minute with flares being thrown into ground. The referees were forced to suspend the match several times since the smoke was too thick.

It was another infamous outing for Hai Phong supporters, known for their history with flares.

Since 2015, VFF has imposed 60 fines of more than VND1.5 billion ($66,300) against V League clubs for fans burning flares and throwing objects into the stadiums.

 
 
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