Doan Ngoc Tan sidelined for 4 weeks after Van Hau's tackle

In Round 2 of the 2026-2027 V-League, the match between The Cong Viettel and Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) saw a controversial incident. In the 66th minute, CAHN defender Doan Van Hau made a studs-up challenge on Viettel midfielder Doan Ngoc Tan. Referee Ngo Duy Lan initially showed a yellow card, but after a VAR review, he upgraded it to a straight red, sending Van Hau off. Despite being reduced to 10 men, CAHN still won 1-0 with a late goal. However, the post-match focus was on Ngoc Tan's injury. Medical tests revealed ligament damage, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks. This rules him out of the national team's September FIFA Days camp, where Vietnam will compete in the 2026 ASEAN Cup. Viettel head coach Nguyen Duc Thang (Popov) expressed concern: 'Losing the match is not a big deal, but losing Ngoc Tan is a heavy blow. He deserves his place in the AFC Cup and the national team.' On the other side, Van Hau apologised to Ngoc Tan, who confirmed via social media: 'It was a football incident, no one intended it. Hau messaged me to apologise.' The incident raises questions about possible additional disciplinary action against Van Hau. Given the dangerous nature of the tackle and the serious injury, the VFF Disciplinary Committee is likely to consider a supplementary ban beyond the automatic one-match suspension. Meanwhile, Viettel face a midfield selection crisis with overlapping V-League and AFC Cup fixtures.