Player who spat at opponent in V-League suspended

The Disciplinary Board of the Vietnam Football Federation today, March 16, issued a penalty for Chi Cong - defender of Dong Tam Long An for his uncivilized behavior in the match against Da Nang in round 8.

In addition to the three-match suspension, the Dong Tam Long An midfielder also had to pay a fine of 10 million VND. Chi Cong was accused of spitting in Van Hoc’s face during a collision in the 42nd minute of the 0-0 draw at Tan An Stadium on February 14.

At that time, during an attack, the home team player fell and was accidentally stepped on by midfielder Van Hoc. After getting up, Chi Cong came to ask what happened and suddenly spat at the Da Nang player.

After the match, Da Nang coach Le Huynh Duc was very upset because the referee ignored the uncivilized behavior of the home team player. "From such a close observation angle, the assistant referee knew everything but ignored it. My player's face was covered in saliva but he did not intervene or report it to the main referee," Mr. Duc told VnExpress that day.

Chi Cong in a "spraying" situation with his colleague Van Hoc. Photo: Duc Dong.

Chi Cong has so far denied the accusations of Da Nang players and coach Le Huynh Duc.

However, Head of the Disciplinary Board Nguyen Hai Huong said after today's meeting: "Not only did we review the video tape, we also have in hand the reports of the individuals involved. The act of spitting by player Chi Cong is clear and the Disciplinary Board has full grounds to handle it."

Mr. Huong also said that Chi Cong was only fined 10 million VND and suspended for three matches, in the first penalty frame of Article 40 of the VFF Disciplinary Regulations 2015 "Acts of insulting honor, uncultured behavior", partly because in the previous collision, this player was provoked.

According to VNE