VietNamNet Bridge – A 28-game ban and a VND20 million (US$950) fine on defender Tran Dinh Dong of Song Lam Nghe An FC – the fiercest fine on the history of V-League – has attracted the attention of the world media.

Defender Tran Dinh Dong of Song Lam Nghe An.

Dong was fined after his violent behavior resulted in a broken leg to midfielder Nguyen Anh Hung of Hung Vuong An Giang.

The ban means that Dong can only return to the field in 2015. Meanwhile, Hung is expected to be sidelined for about one year.

VFF said the punishment is meant to be a warning to players throughout the nation, where violent behavior on the field has gradually become more popular.

The national football body also asked Dong to pay the medical bills for Hung's injury and surgeries.

One of the world’s largest news agency - Reuters - reported in detail about the punishment on Dong.

After that BBC (UK), Times of India, The Malay Online (Malaysia), Asiaone (Singapore), GMA News (Philippines) ... also simultaneously reported about the most severe punishment of the V.League.

“A Vietnam international defender has been given a record 28-game suspension by the country's football federation after breaking the leg of an opponent during a domestic league match,” wrote BBC.

BBC also published a statement from coach Nguyen Huu Thang on the fine on his player: "I will fine him if he does wrong. I think the VFF (Vietnam Football Federation) issued the fine under pressure from public opinion, not based on reality. We will appeal because his absence would strongly affect our name and V-League results."

However, at the end of the articles, all newspaper repeated the VFF’s announcement on the severe fine: “The punishment is meant to be a warning to players throughout the nation, where violent behavior on the field has gradually become more popular."

In related news, the VFF has suspended Diego Fagan of Hai Phong for three matches and imposed VND10 million ($500) fine on this play for giving a punch  to the face of Mamic Bojan of SHB Da Nang on February 26.

The VFF has also suspended several referees for neglecting violence acts in recent games.

Nam Nguyen