Hanoi Police win 3-0 against Dong Nai: Three points cannot calm the anger of on-field violence

The match between Hanoi Police FC and Dong Nai in round 3 of the V-League on the evening of September 20, 2026 ended 3-0 in favor of the home team. But if one only looks at the score, the most discussed story would be missed: on-field violence again dominated the headlines. Within 90 minutes, two Dong Nai players committed fouls against young striker Dinh Bac. One left the pitch with a red card; the other was more fortunate, receiving only a yellow card. The 3-0 result was clear on the electronic scoreboard, but the story after the match is a stain that is not easy to erase. The first controversial moment came in the 15th minute. Dong Nai defender Van Son elbowed Dinh Bac in the face during a duel. The slow-motion replay clearly showed the unsportsmanlike behavior of the away player. Referee Le Vu Linh did not hesitate to send Van Son off with a direct red card. Dinh Bac himself was also booked in the same situation for losing his temper and provoking his opponent after the collision. The fact that both players were punished in that duel made some fans believe the referee team handled the first situation fairly. However, the second-half situation drew even more criticism. Dinh Bac had the ball under pressure from Dong Nai center-back Huynh Tan Sinh. Instead of challenging with technique, Tan Sinh repeatedly kicked the legs of the Hanoi Police striker. Dinh Bac fell to the pitch, forcing the referee to intervene. Le Vu Linh showed Tan Sinh a yellow card, a decision immediately questioned by experts and fans. Many argued that the kick from behind, even when reviewed on video, was dangerous enough for a red card. A yellow card in this situation was seen as too lenient and disproportionate to the level of violence shown. On the Vietnamese Football Fans Forum, criticism quickly spread. One fan commented: “Fouls are unavoidable in football. However, deliberate attacks on opponents like this must be removed from football.” Another fan blamed the referee team: “The referee team must also take responsibility for handling this situation too lightly. Tan Sinh should have received a red card.” This view showed disappointment not only with the fouling player but also with the system handling violent incidents. The story became more notable because of the player involved. Huynh Tan Sinh is a former Vietnam U20 World Cup player, a SEA Games champion with U23 Vietnam, and has played professionally for more than 10 years. One comment stood out: “Huynh Tan Sinh used to be a Vietnam U20 player at the World Cup, won SEA Games with U23 Vietnam, and has played professionally for more than 10 years. Yet he still lost control in a duel with a younger player. Tan Sinh should not have been involved in this mess. His career could be better if he learned to control himself.” The fact that a former national youth team player was involved in violent controversy worried fans about the image of Vietnamese football. Concerns about player fitness before major tournaments were also raised. One fan said: “I am worried for Vietnamese players before the FIFA ASEAN Cup. We have already lost too many players to injuries.” This concern is legitimate, because injuries from malicious fouls not only cost players opportunities but also put pressure on squad depth during a competitive period. With the V-League being played before a regional tournament, any injury could directly affect the national team’s planning. Beyond professional matters, fans spoke about football culture. One fan said: “If Vietnamese football cannot eliminate violent incidents like this, we cannot rise. Only players with poor technique and no self-control create such rough challenges.” This is harsh but reflects the reality that malicious tackles add no value to the game and only reduce the credibility of the match. Another comment touched on sportsmanship: “Football is meant to learn, not to destroy opponents. Where is the noble sporting spirit of the players?” These criticisms show that fans care not only about results but also about behavior on the pitch. The worrying part is that violence in the V-League is not new. One fan recalled: “Violence has been going on for many years in the V-League, but somehow we cannot fix it. Just a few weeks ago, Van Hau stamped on an opponent’s leg. Now it is Tan Sinh and Van Son attacking Dinh Bac in a rough manner.” The repeated dangerous fouls at the start of the season raise questions about the effectiveness of punishments and the referee’s ability to control matches. Without strong measures, the V-League risks losing the trust of fans and experts. Some opinions also suggested that Dinh Bac should adjust his behavior. His flashy playing style and tendency to provoke opponents were seen as reasons why he became a target of the opposition defense. Although this cannot justify reckless challenges, it is important for young players to control their emotions and avoid unnecessary provocation. Top-level football demands not only skill but also the ability to read situations and stay calm. Many called on the disciplinary committee to review the video and impose appropriate sanctions on both Van Son and Tan Sinh. The kick from behind by Tan Sinh was considered highly dangerous and should be evaluated from a disciplinary perspective. If it remains only a yellow card, bad precedent could be set. The V-League needs a clear message that violence will not be tolerated in any form. Earlier, Doan Van Hau was suspended for four matches and fined 20 million VND for rough play against Doan Ngoc Tan. Van Son and Tan Sinh now face similar disciplinary risks. This demands faster, stricter, and more consistent decisions from the disciplinary committee and referees. Penalties based on video review should be announced clearly so fans understand and trust the fairness of the league. On-field violence is not just a problem for Dong Nai or the V-League. It is a common issue for the whole football community, from educating young players to discipline at the highest level. When players with more than ten years of professional experience still cannot control their actions, and when young talents suffer dangerous kicks before a regional tournament, the result of one match becomes too small. The image of a developing league should be built on mutual respect, not on brutal challenges. Hopefully, authorities will act seriously and players will learn to stay calmer. True sporting values do not come from destroying opponents but from giving fans and the jersey full commitment. Otherwise, the V-League will keep facing the question: when will Vietnamese football truly rise?