Former assistant coach Park Hang Seo receives heavy penalty in First Division

Coach Nguyễn Văn Đàn faced disciplinary action after a disputed goal in the National First Division.

Nguyễn Văn Đàn, former assistant to Coach Park Hang Seo, has officially been sanctioned by the organizing committee 2025/2026 National First Division after a strong reaction related to a highly contentious goal. According to the issued decision, the coach is banned from directing for 3 matches and fined 10 million VND for insulting and abusing the referee.

The incident occurred during the match between Ho Chi Minh City FC and Quang Ninh FC in Round 7 on November 8, 2025. In this game, Nguyễn Văn Đàn’s team narrowly lost 0-1 away. After the final whistle, he lost his composure and verbally attacked the refereeing team excessively, prompting disciplinary action.

The root of the frustration stemmed from the only goal at the 41st minute, a pivotal moment in the match. Earlier, player number 19 of Ho Chi Minh City FC, Nguyễn Quốc Hoàng, had left the field for medical care and was waiting by the sideline near the halfway line beside the fourth official Trần Văn Khỏe.

According to proper procedure, the fourth official signaled to the main referee Khổng Tam Cường that the player was ready to re-enter. After receiving the signal, the main referee allowed it, and the fourth official facilitated Quốc Hoàng’s return onto the pitch. Coincidentally, at that moment, a Quang Ninh center-back passed the ball back exactly to the area where Quốc Hoàng had just appeared, allowing him to intercept and launch an attack leading to the goal.

This situation caused Nguyễn Văn Đàn to react strongly from the sideline. However, expert evaluations confirmed the referees acted within the rules in allowing the player back on the field. After the event, Coach Văn Đàn stated: “I am not filing a complaint as the match has long passed. However, the main point is that the referees need to learn from this and improve their coordination.”.

The penalty was issued just days after the match but only took effect recently due to the tournament’s temporary suspension. Nguyễn Văn Đàn will miss the upcoming away match of his teamin Round 8 of the National First Division, where Xuan Thien Phu Tho FC hosts Quang Ninh. The absence of the head coach is expected to significantly impact the team’s management and morale during this crucial phase of the season.