Fans demand VFF impose heavy discipline on Van Hau after violent tackle

The tackle that stirred public opinion

The match between CAHN and The Cong – Viettel in the second round of the V-League 2026-2027 season ended 1-0 for the home side, but the result was overshadowed by a controversial incident. In the 78th minute, from a long pass, striker Doan Ngoc Tan jumped for an aerial duel with Doan Van Hau in midfield. Instead of heading the ball, the CAHN defender launched a powerful foot tackle that hit Tan directly on the shin. The groan of pain was audible; the referee immediately showed a straight red card.

On a stretcher, Doan Ngoc Tan was taken straight to hospital. Initial reports indicate severe ankle ligament damage, possibly requiring 4-6 months on the sidelines. For a club aiming high like The Cong – Viettel, this is a heavy loss both professionally and psychologically. Instantly, hundreds of readers sent their opinions to Tuoi Tre Online's editorial office, sparking an unprecedented wave of anger.

Public fury heats up by the hour

"I've watched football for 30 years, and I've never seen such a malicious tackle from a national team player. If there is no heavy punishment, Vietnamese football will be flooded with 'chopping iron and cutting nails' – a reader nicknamed 'Clean Football' said indignantly. Many other comments echoed the same demand: VFF and CAHN must impose severe penalties, not just the red card.

However, what fueled the anger even more was not just the injury-causing tackle. Right after being sent off, Van Hau walked straight down the tunnel with an indifferent attitude, without a word of apology to his fallen colleague. Another reader wrote: 'A player who plays dirty is bad enough, but the contemptuous attitude is even worse. This is not the first time Van Hau has had similar behavior; I remember many situations where he tackled like a lumberjack.'

Evidence of past disciplinary issues was repeatedly cited: Van Hau has received numerous yellow and even red cards in previous seasons. On football forums, the phrase 'violent habit' was used many times. A reader nicknamed 'Iron Defender' analyzed: 'Clearly, Van Hau is using his national team reputation to play dirty without fear of heavy punishment. Now is the time for VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik to show determination to clean up football.'

Pressure on VFF and coach Kim Sang Sik

The calls didn't stop at the club level; many fans urged VFF to drop Van Hau from the national team squad for the ASEAN Cup 2026. 'If coach Kim Sang Sik still calls up Van Hau, I will turn off the TV. The national team cannot tolerate players with such offensive play – a user named 'Viet Football Fan' said sharply.

In fact, coach Kim Sang Sik is currently preparing personnel for the important regional tournament at the end of the year. If the Van Hau incident is not handled decisively, it will cause unpredictable consequences. Will Kim dare to drop a key player? Or will he compromise with public opinion to preserve his image? All eyes are on VFF's meeting in the coming days.

A contrarian view: Is the anger being pushed too far?

Although the majority condemns Van Hau, some voices urge a more objective assessment. Some analysts suggest that his tackle might have been caused by losing balance during the challenge, not a deliberate attempt to injure. Moreover, the red card has already been shown and the basic ban is pending. The public demand for VFF intervention may exceed the federation's authority, unless there is clear evidence of intentional injury.

However, with the pressure from hundreds of public opinions, VFF can hardly stay out. The status of Vietnamese football is being shaped by values of fair play and high sportsmanship. Letting a player with repeated violent behavior go unpunished will erode fans' trust.

Conclusion: A lesson from feet and heart

Summer 2026 had no contract, but it had a lesson sealed with patience. For Van Hau, this time is not just about a red card. It's an opportunity to look back at his playing attitude. Football is not only about strong legs, but also about a heart that respects opponents. If VFF and CAHN truly want to build a professional football environment, they need to act decisively. As for coach Kim, his decision in the coming weeks will show what he bets on: prestige or results?

The storm of public opinion is swirling. No official verdict has been made by VFF, but clearly the cold bench from 2026 has returned with a new message: speed makes hot news, but only verification keeps reputation. Van Hau, is it still time to fix?