The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) yesterday issued penalties to two players, a doctor and the head coach of the northern Vicem Hai Phong football club with regard to an attack on a referee.

Coach Le Thuy Hai

The sanctions were imposed following their wrongdoings during a match against Dong Thap at the 17th round of V-League last weekend.

Head coach Le Thuy Hai was fined VND5 million (US$240), and banned from his steering chair for the next two matches -- a penalty many say is too light given his argument with referee Vo Minh Tri on the pitch. The coach insulted Tri later in the press room.

Doctor Tuan Nguyen Giap, who had cursed the referee as ‘Tri dog’ before he was sent off the pitch, was fined VND15 million, and banned from performing his duty in the next four games.

Goalkeeper Dau Ngoc Tan, who insulted and physically abused referee Tri during the match, was subject to a VND25-million fine, and a five-match prohibition.

Finally, defender Dinh Tien Thanh, who joined the goalie in pushing into Tri’s chest in objection to his awarding host Dong Thap a penalty kick, was fined VND20 million and banned for four matches.

Doctor Tuan Nguyen Giap (second, R). Photo: Tuoi Tre

In related news, Hai Phong police yesterday confirmed that the fan of Vicem Hai Phong, who was identified as having assaulted referee Tri on Sunday, currently resides in Hai Phong.

Further verification needs to be done before the identity of the hooligan can be officially announced, police said.

Meanwhile, Tuan, deputy director of Vicem Hai Phong, told Tuoi Tre on Wednesday that they only learned of the assault via the media.

“We do not know any fans involved in the attack.

“The fans are not under our management, and we did not send them to Dong Thap to cheer the club,” said Tuan.

However, Hai Phong police said that on May 10, Vicem Hai Phong sent a bus with license plate 16L-2154 to carry a group of fans to Dong Thap.

The bus was detained for inspection when it passed the central provinces of Thua Thien – Hue and Quang Binh, and was later allowed to continue its route back to Hai Phong, police said.

Source: Tuoi Tre