Coach Miura: "A Da Nang player deserves a few red cards"

"I am not satisfied with the refereeing today," coach Toshiya Miura told the press after the 0-3 defeat at Hoa Xuan Stadium.

“In previous matches, the media said that Ho Chi Minh City played too aggressively. But in this match, Da Nang goalkeeper Thanh Binh tackled the ball from behind, sending our striker Nguyen Hai Anh to the hospital. The referee did not handle many situations well.”

Coach Miura pulled his hair out because Ho Chi Minh City players were continuously fouled. Photo:Mr. Khoa.

"Da Nang's number 2 center back Louis Ewonde also had a dangerous two-footed tackle. Midfielder Tran Phi Son was always the target of dirty kicks, receiving a series of kicks from behind. I was very afraid that my student would break his leg. If following international standards, Ewonde would have received two or three red cards. I hope VPF and the media will review this match," the Japanese coach emphasized.

Ewonde opened the scoring for Da Nang with a volley in the penalty area in the 29th minute. After that, Do Merlo and Ho Ngoc Thang scored two more goals to sink Ho Chi Minh City at Hoa Xuan Stadium.

The Cameroonian centre-back was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes, with a style that was not afraid of collision. He often received applause from Da Nang fans, every time he successfully blocked a ball. Ewonde committed a few fouls during the match, but only received a yellow card in the 81st minute.

Ewonde was applauded by Da Nang audiences for his performance against Ho Chi Minh City. Photo:Mr. Khoa.

Despite being hurt by Da Nang's aggressive style of play, Coach Miura did not consider that the reason for the defeat: "Anyway, I congratulate Da Nang on their well-deserved victory. They played well in this match, especially in attack."

The away team had to replace three players due to injuries in the match on the afternoon of May 19, all from collisions with Da Nang players. Besides Hai Anh, two other Ho Chi Minh City players also had to leave the field, Paulo Tavares and Dao Quoc Gia.

Speaking after the match, Da Nang coach Nguyen Minh Phuong denied instructing his players to play violently. “We did not play violently. I told the players not to play dirty or foul. Ho Chi Minh City also showed their fiery spirit and strong, fierce playing style in this match,” said the former player of the Vietnam national team.