HÀ NÔI — Coach Ljupko Petrovic of Thanh Hóa has been suspended for two matches in the 12th round of the ongoing V.League 1 after he reacted strongly to a referee’s decision.

The incident took place during a match between Thanh Hóa and Hà Nội FC at Hàng Đẫy Stadium on March 19. Petrovic has also been fined VNĐ10 million.

Petrovic will not be allowed to guide his team in the match with Hoàng Anh Gia Lai on April 8 and with Sài Gòn FC on April 15.

In the match on March 19, referee Nguyễn Hiền Triết did not recognise Thanh Hóa’s goal in the 88th minute, causing Petrovic to react strongly. He was ordered to leave the field.

“I think my suspension is rather severe. It is the first time that I have violated a rule,” said Petrovic. “I just ran to ask the referee why he didn’t admit our goal; I did not touch the referee.”

Earlier, in February, Petrovic had won the Việt Nam Professional Football Joint Stock Company’s Best Coach award. Under his guidance, Thanh Hóa topped the rankings after 10 rounds with nine undefeated matches, before losing to Hà Nội on March 19.

The 69-year-old coach has 34 years of experience in Europe, the Middle East and China. Petrovic won the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) with Red Star Belgrade in 1991; he helped Beijing Guoan take the Chinese FA Cup in 2003; and helped Levski Sofia win the Championship in 2000-01. — VNS