Vu Tien Thanh, Technical Director of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) Football Club, has been banned from directing four matches and fined 20 million VND (790 USD) for verbally abusing match officials. Club manager Nguyen Tan Anh was also penalized with a three-match ban and a 15 million VND (590 USD) fine.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)’s Disciplinary Committee confirmed the penalties on April 20.

According to committee chairman Vu Xuan Thanh, although the bans are not the maximum possible under VFF regulations (which can extend to six matches), the sanctions are considered serious enough to serve as a deterrent.

The incident occurred during HAGL’s 0-1 home loss to Ha Tinh on April 18 in Round 19 of the V-League. After the match, both Vu Tien Thanh and Nguyen Tan Anh forcibly entered the referees' room and reportedly used offensive language against the officiating team.

Their outrage stemmed from a controversial call in the first half, when HAGL’s Minh Vuong had a goal disallowed. After consulting VAR, referee Tran Ngoc Anh ruled out the goal due to a prior foul in midfield by HAGL’s Dung Quang Nho on Huynh Tan Tai. Slow-motion footage supported the referee’s decision, clearly showing a foul before the goal-scoring opportunity.

The disciplinary action was taken based on reports submitted by match officials and in accordance with Article 40 of the VFF’s disciplinary regulations.

Dai Nam