STP Foods TP.HCM player suspended for 3 matches for bringing chair
VFF suspended A Hung for 3 matches and fined him 1.25 million VND for bringing a chair onto the field in a 1-1 draw; Coach Nguyen Van Long and Thai Van Dung were banned from directing 2 matches.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Disciplinary Board has imposed a penalty on STP Foods TP.HCM Club after the incident of reacting to the referee in the 1-1 draw with Truong Giang Gia Dinh at Tan Hiep Stadium on November 5. Player A Hung was suspended for 3 matches and fined 1.25 million VND for bringing a chair to sit in the middle of the field, interrupting the match for nearly 10 minutes. Coach Nguyen Van Long and technical analyst Thai Van Dung were also fined and banned from directing 2 matches.
The key moment in the 70th minute
According to the match report, in the 70th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to STP Foods TP.HCM but then reversed his decision and dropped the ball. This reversal sparked a fierce reaction from the away team's players and coaching staff, causing the match to be interrupted for nearly 10 minutes.
During that climax, A Hung (number 15) brought a plastic chair to sit in the middle of the field to express his dissatisfaction. Although the club explained that this was an "unconscious" behavior, the VFF Disciplinary Board concluded that it was an act of protesting against the referee and intentionally disrupting the match.
Specific penalties
| Member | Error | Penalty level | Ban from competing/coaching |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Hung (player number 15) | Reacting to the referee, interrupting the match | 1.25 million VND | 3-match suspension |
| Coach Nguyen Van Long | React, interrupt the match | 1.25 million VND | Banned from directing 2 matches |
| Thai Van Dung (technical analyst) | React, interrupt the match | 1.25 million VND | Banned from directing 2 matches |
Message of discipline and fair play
VFF also sent a notice emphasizing that teams participating in the 2025 National Third Division must strictly comply with disciplinary regulations and codes of conduct. Referees, supervisors and opponents must be absolutely respected; any unsportsmanlike behavior will be strictly handled.
The management agency called on clubs to join hands in building a civilized, fair and professional competition environment, to protect the image of the tournament and improve standards of conduct on the field.
Professional perspective: emotional management in controversy
The decision to change from a penalty to a dropped ball is a sensitive situation that can easily trigger a chain reaction. However, VFF affirms that there is a clear line between the right to appeal within the framework of the law and acts that disrupt the match. This penalty emphasizes the role of controlling the emotions of players and coaching staff, especially in the climax.
Key details
- Time: minute 70, match Truong Giang Gia Dinh - STP Foods TP.HCM.
- Development: blow penalty, then drop ball.
- Consequence: the match was interrupted for nearly 10 minutes.
- Handling: A Hung suspended for 3 matches; Coach Nguyen Van Long and Thai Van Dung banned from directing 2 matches; each fined 1.25 million VND.
