Group E organizers were fined VND10 million (US$561) and had the right to organize the group matches revoked. Dong Nai and DTLA clubs were each fined VND15 million ($842).

Group E now has three teams: Vinh Long with two points and Can Tho and HCMC each with one point. The group’s remaining match between Can Tho and HCMC will be held in Binh Duong Monday. The winner will be play in the final tournament.

At a meeting after the Friday match, match supervisor Ho Huy Hong suggested the two clubs be severely penalized.

Hong said it was group violence and the group organizers failed to ensure security as some fans ran onto the field to join the fight.

The match had been without incident until the 58^th minute with the hosts leading 2-0. Trouble began then when referee Thai Thuong Triet gave Dong Nai a penalty kick because he ruled that DTLA’s goalkeeper Tien Anh had tackled striker Tuan Anh in the penalty area.

DTLA players and some members of the coaching staff rushed the referee to abuse him and Tien Anh stood near the post to let Huu Phat of Dong Nai kick into the empty net to make it 3-0 for Dong Nai.

After the restart, the brawl started when striker and captain Van Khai of DTLA left the ball to knock a Dong Nai player with his shoulder. Onfield players, fans and substitutes from both teams ran in to join the fight. Khai said he did not join the fight, which is why he hasn’t been removed from the newly selected national U23 training squad.

The match supervisor Ho Huy Hong decided to stop the match in the 62^nd minute, after which, the group organizers held a meeting where head of the group’s organizing board Nguyen Van Long claimed responsibility for the incident.

However, Hong said the coaching staff and players of both teams had displayed unruly behavior with DTLA deliberately sabotaging the match after they had conceded three goals.

Reported by Thanh Nien staff