V-League Tensions Flare Amidst Referee Controversies and Record Penalties

The V-League 2025-2026 season is heating up, not just in terms of competition, but also in the sheer volume of disciplinary actions on the field. Round 18, in particular, has set a new record for penalties, dishing out an astonishing 42 yellow cards and one red card across only 16 goals scored. This intense disciplinary record starkly contrasts with the first half of the season, where fewer players and coaches faced suspension despite a larger number of matches.

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After receiving two consecutive yellow cards at the end of the match for protesting, coach Velizar Popov (The Cong Viettel) was also suspended for 4 matches and fined 20 million VND by the Vietnam Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee for his uncontrolled reactions, which affected the image of the tournament.

The V-League's growing intensity is palpable, with 54 players and 5 coaches already suspended in the second half of the season, compared to 34 suspensions in the entire first half. The match between The Cong Viettel and Thanh Hoa in Round 18 became a focal point, with the referee issuing 10 yellow cards and one red, despite a single goal deciding the contest. Coach Velizar Popov of The Cong Viettel received a four-match ban and a fine for his protests, highlighting the escalating tensions between coaches and officials.

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The refereeing decisions that caused controversy were also the 'spark' for coach Velizar Popov's fury.

While coach Popov's reaction was deemed excessive, the article suggests that controversial refereeing decisions, such as the one involving Thanh Hoa's Nam and Wesley Nata, fueled his outburst. Similar officiating errors, like the denied penalty to Nam Dinh against Hoang Anh Gia Lai, further exacerbate the frustration. The V-League's final eight rounds promise more drama, with the championship and relegation battles intensifying, placing immense pressure on players, coaches, and referees alike. Without timely adjustments from the Refereeing Committee and clubs, the record for penalties may continue to climb.

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It was clear that the referee's decisions caused controversy and were the 'spark' for coach Velizar Popov's fury.