Coach Popov received a red card in Thanh Hoa FC's controversial match: Was it unfair?

Referee Le Vu Linh and the penalty for coach Popov have sparked mixed opinions.

Thanh Hoa FC missed the opportunity to reclaim the top spot from Nam Dinh FC, only managing a 2-2 draw against Ho Chi Minh City FC in Round 13 of the V-League on the evening of February 14th. Coach Velizar Popov became the center of attention when referee Le Vu Linh showed him two yellow cards (equivalent to indirect red cards), sending him off in the first half.

After receiving his second yellow card (45+3 minutes), the Bulgarian coach was sent off, and the stadium organizers had to ask security to escort him to the stands. Technical director Hoang Thanh Tung also received a red card for his reaction.

Coach Popov was sent off after receiving two yellow cards.

Although the Thanh Hoa Club coaching staff believes that some of referee Le Vu Linh's decisions were incorrect and affected the team's results, it is necessary to objectively assess referee Le Vu Linh's decisions in order to make a more accurate evaluation.

In the situation leading to his second yellow card (in injury time of the first half), Coach Popov kicked a water bottle near the boundary line of the team's technical area. According to Law 12 on "Fouls and Misconduct," which clearly stipulates the penalties for team officials in Article 3.2, Mr. Popov's actions constituted "a verbal or physical reaction including: throwing/kicking a water bottle or other objects."

The main referee didn't see it, but after consulting with the fourth official, Mr. Le Vu Linh decided to issue a second yellow card to coach Popov.

Regarding the first yellow card, Mr. Popov reacted angrily to the fourth official. Therefore, it can be understood that both yellow cards given to the Thanh Hoa coach were justified decisions by the referee.

Does VAR slow down the game?

Another incident occurred in the match, in the 65th minute, when Thanh Hoa's striker Ribamar fell in the penalty area, but no penalty was awarded to the yellow-shirted team.

Coach Popov was suspended several times for reacting inappropriately.

Many questions have been raised about why VAR didn't intervene. In reality, VAR is always active, reviewing every situation, and it's only used in cases of a "clear foul" or "serious missed opportunity" related to: Goals/no goals; Penalties/no penalties; Direct red cards (not a second yellow card/warning); Misidentification of a player committing a foul (in cases where the referee issues a warning/yellow card or sends the player off).

Returning to the situation in the 65th minute, the main referee and the VAR referees coordinated their actions, adhering to FIFA regulations in a match with VAR, and no penalty was awarded in this instance. In situations where there is agreement between the main referee and the VAR referee, the main referee's decision is confirmed without needing to consult the screen.

The draw against Ho Chi Minh City FC meant Thanh Hoa FC missed the chance to reclaim the top spot. However, Coach Popov's team is only 1 point behind Nam Dinh and still has a game in hand.

Thanh Hoa FC's assistant coach, Mai Xuan Hop, said after the match: "It's very disappointing. Coach Popov is a passionate person who always pushes the players to play aggressively in every play. Therefore, his absence from the coaching has had a huge impact and is a disadvantage for Thanh Hoa FC."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-popov-bi-the-do-o-tran-dau-gay-tranh-cai-cua-clb-thanh-hoa-co-oan-khong-185250215135759431.htm