Arguing at Saigon's "street gambling arena", female FIFA referee was insulted and threatened with a beating

In the match between Phuc Khang FC and Bay Nui FC in round 3 of the 7-a-side National Football Championship in the Southern region - Saigon Premier League (SPL) on June 7, the situation where foreign player Raymond returned to the field before Phuc Khang scored caused a controversial reaction from the opponent.

Specifically, when the match was tied at 2-2, foreign player Raymond was injured and lay on the field in the 68th minute. FIFA referee Le Thi Ly paused the match and confirmed the injury, ordered the medical team to take the foreign player off the field and let the match continue.

The match continued with the ball returned to goalkeeper Van Tien. Foreign player Raymond was also allowed to return from the touchline of Bay Nui's field when the team was attacking but failed. Immediately after, from a long pass from goalkeeper Van Tien, Raymond headed the ball, creating an opportunity for Le Thanh Truong to finish, raising the score to 3-2 for Phuc Khang.

Tranh cãi — FIFA referee Le Thi Ly (middle) in the match between Phuc Khang and Bay Nui

The coaching staff of the Bay Nui team protested the goal, claiming that it was against the rules to let the player enter the field from that position. There was even a lot of inappropriate language used, and the referee's report also reported that he had been threatened with a beating.

"In the 70th minute, after I recognized the goal for Phuc Khang Club, Coach Huynh Van Tinh of Bay Nui had an excessive reaction. I gave him a yellow card. After that, Mr. Tinh continued to insult me, the main referee and the match supervisor, Mr. Bui Minh Hung. I dismissed Mr. Tinh from the position of manager.

Security forces intervened and invited Mr. Huynh Van Tinh out, but this coach continued to challenge the referee team: "How many people do I have on my team? Take them all out! How many people did you take out? You are a woman. If you were a man, I would have beaten you" - female FIFA referee, Le Thi Ly recounted in the minutes.

In the face of this controversy, some fanpages quoted a specific explanation from a former VFF referee. However, Bay Nui chairman Duong Thiet Thach continued to express his indignation and used inappropriate words on his personal page.

According to the former national referee, this situation did not affect the match. Raymond entered the field and then led to a quick attack and a goal, so it was valid.

Also according to the law issued by VFF, based on the Law on 7-a-side football in Article 4.3, Law 5 (page 16) clearly states: "Allow the match to continue until the ball is out of play if the player is only slightly injured.

Stop play when a player is seriously injured and ensure that the player is moved off the field of play. An injured player cannot be treated on the field of play and the injured player may not re-enter until play has restarted; if the ball is in play, the player may re-enter from the touchline, but if the ball is out of play, he may re-enter from any touchline.

This victory helped Phuc Khang rise to 8th place with its first 3 points. Meanwhile, Bay Nui FC with 0 points, goal difference -6 dropped to 10th place out of 12 participating teams.

In round 4 which took place a day later, Phuc Khang lost 0-1 again, while Bay Nui FC won 2-1 with their first 3 points.

The next round of SPL will continue on June 14, at Gia Dinh Stadium (HCMC).

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tranh-cai-o-soi-phui-sai-gon-nu-trong-tai-fifa-bi-xuc-pham-doa-danh-196250610125914929.htm