HÀ NỘI – Nguyễn Văn Toàn of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) received a warning from the Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF), instead of a suspension, for his bad behaviour during a game.

The incident occurred on May 1 during the HAGL vs FLC Thanh Hóa match in the eighth round of the V. League.

Soon after the game ended with HAGL losing 1-2, the striker pushed referee Nguyễn Đức Vũ to object because he thought that Vũ was partial towards Thanh Hóa.

Acknowledging his mistake, Toàn apologised to Vũ and to fans for his poor behaviour.

VFF Discipline Department Chief Nguyễn Hải Hường said Toàn’s action, but since this was the striker’s first error and his apology seemed sincere, he was let off with a warning.

The northern province of Hải Dương-born player is a member of the national football team. He scored two goals during Việt Nam ‘s 4-1 win against Chinese Taipei in the World Cup 2018’s qualifying round.

Earlier, midfielder Nguyễn Văn Quyết of Hà Nội T&T received a stern punishment from the VFF for pushing referee Phạm Hoàng Công Khanh during the game against Sanna Khánh Hòa in the national premier league’s fourth round match.

Quyết was suspended for five matches, fined VNĐ15 million (US$650) and dropped from the national team’s March summons for the games against Chinese Taipei and Iraq during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. – VNS