The Vietnam Football Federation vice chair admitted that football hooliganism has appeared in Vietnam and the federation needs more time and cooperation from related agencies to prevent its expansion.

After successive disturbances caused by the fans of Hai Phong Cement football club and complaints from many teams about referees, the Vietnam Football Federation vice chairman Nguyen Lan Trung explained the qualifications of referees and VFF’s responsibility to prevent emerging hooliganism among fans.

After Hai Phong Cement Club’s fans burnt flares at their home Lach Tray Stadium, VFF decided to fine Hai Phong Cement 25 million dong ($1,300). The team will also have to play one match at a neutral stadium, instead of their home stadium.

VFF Discipline Department chief Nguyen Hai Huong confirmed that the above fines are appropriate for Hai Phong Cement but the public said the penalties are too lenient because Hai Phong fans repeated the act many times.

VFF vice chairman Nguyen Lan Trung was forced to appear to explain VFF’s actions. He admitted that football hooliganism has appeared in Vietnam and VFF needs more time and cooperation from related agencies to prevent its expansion.

Trung said that VFF will have plans to stop hooliganism. “Currently, classifying which football fans are hooligans is the most important and effective measure,” Trung emphasized.

Regarding the fines on Hai Phong Cement, he said that violations from Hai Phong fans is clear and VFF would never make concessions or excuse violations related to security. However, the fines must be made based on VFF regulations.

Explaining the qualifications of referees, Trung said that the number of referees who made mistakes is modest compared to the total number of referees and the total number of matches. The National Referee Council has performed their job well. All referees who made mistakes have received harsh punishments.

The VFF vice chairman said that mistakes from referees were honest mistakes and not due to any ethical problems.

Trung admitted that referees have weaknesses but he said that some football players and coaches didn’t behave properly with referees. He asked football clubs to severely punish anybody who commits acts of hooliganism in the remaining matches of V-League 2010.

PV