Tan Sinh repeatedly kicks Dinh Bac: Only a yellow card amid fan outrage

On the evening of September 20, 2026, Cong An Ha Noi cruised to a 3-0 win over host club Thanh pho Dong Nai in round 3 of V-League 2026-2027. However, the match was remembered less for the three goals and more for a dangerous foul by Dong Nai defender Huynh Tan Sinh on Dinh Bac in the 78th minute. At that moment, Cong An Ha Noi were leading 3-0. Dinh Bac received the ball in midfield, ready to move it forward. Tan Sinh charged from behind and kicked the 22-year-old forward's legs twice. Dinh Bac lost his balance and collapsed to the ground. The referee awarded a foul and showed Tan Sinh only a yellow card. The decision immediately provoked strong reactions from Cong An Ha Noi players and supporters. Earlier, the hosts had been reduced to ten men. In the 16th minute, Van Son lost his temper and aimed a strike at Dinh Bac. The referee produced a straight red card, leaving Dong Nai with ten players. That turning point destroyed the team's defensive plan and allowed Cong An Ha Noi to dominate. With a man advantage, Cong An Ha Noi pushed forward in waves. Quick combinations in central areas opened up spaces, and Dong Nai's depleted back line could not cope. The three goals came through varied attacks and highlighted the gap in quality between the two sides. The controversial foul, however, became the biggest talking point. Slow-motion replays showed Tan Sinh deliberately kicking Dinh Bac, even after the forward had started to fall. Many fans described it as unsportsmanlike and demanded heavy punishment. One fan wrote: “Tan Sinh! We are colleagues. Why are you so cruel? You must respect your colleague's legs.” Another fan said: “This is too ugly to be acceptable. It was a deliberate attempt to take down an opponent.” Others insisted that the referee was too lenient. A fan commented: “Those repeated kicks show reckless aggression. If not punished heavily, it will happen again.” Huynh Tan Sinh is not an unfamiliar name in Vietnamese football. Born in 2026, he was part of Vietnam's U20 and U23 teams. In 2026, he won a SEA Games gold medal with U23 Vietnam. At club level, he won V-League titles with Ha Noi FC, Cong An Ha Noi and Quang Nam. His experience made the loss of composure even more regrettable. From a tactical point of view, Cong An Ha Noi's 3-0 win was no surprise. The visiting side had better depth, more experience and greater control. Even before Van Son's red card, they had shown clear dominance. After the sending-off, Dong Nai's defensive lines opened up and Cong An Ha Noi exploited the gaps with ease. Yet the win was overshadowed by an ugly moment. Modern football values safety as much as competition. Dangerous fouls from behind should be removed from the game. If no strong action is taken, young players such as Dinh Bac will continue to face the risk of serious injury. The referee plays the most important role in protecting players. In this case, his view may have been blocked, and he may not have seen the full extent of the foul. It is precisely when such situations arise that assistant referees, video replays and clear communication should be used to make the right call. This match also raised questions about refereeing standards in V-League. If a violent incident like this is punished with only a yellow card, it is hard to guarantee a healthy playing environment. The three goals scored by Cong An Ha Noi will eventually be forgotten, but the image of Tan Sinh kicking Dinh Bac could be remembered for a long time. Currently, Dong Nai have not made an official statement about Tan Sinh's behavior. Cong An Ha Noi have also not provided an update on Dinh Bac's condition. Fans are waiting for the V-League organizers to act. If Tan Sinh receives a suspension or supplementary discipline, it will send a clear message that violent play will not be tolerated. If the incident is closed with just a yellow card, the controversy is far from over.