The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has suspended striker Hoàng Vũ Samson of Hà Nội FC for four matches and fined him US$1,000.

Samson was penalised for head butting a Ceres Negros player in the group round of the AFC Cup 2017.

Vietnamese outfit Hà Nội suffered a 6-2 defeat against Ceres Negros in Group G on April 19. Samson was shown a direct red card in this match, which means he will not be able to play in the match against Felda United in the last group stage match on May 3.

Hà Nội are currently second in Group G with eight points after five matches and could still proceed to the zonal semi-finals.

If Hà Nội do not progress at the Cup, Samson’s punishment will be carried forward to the games of the national premier league, V.League 1 and Vietnamese National Cup 2017.

Nguyễn Quốc Hội, chairman of Hà Nội, said the team will appeal against the decision of the AFC. Hội said Samson made the mistake during the AFC Cup, therefore the federation penalised him, but the punishment ought to be valid only for the AFC Cup, and not for other events. 

VNS