The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Disciplinary Committee has fined Hanoi Police FC (CAHN) and Beijing Guoan 5,000 USD each, approximately 125 million VND. The committee determined that the players' actions "brought the game into disrepute."

The disciplinary decision was issued on 19/11, over two months after the 2-2 draw at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, on the evening of 18/9. While players involved were initially expected to face retrospective punishment, none received individual sanctions.

The incident occurred in the 80th minute when CAHN's Rogerio Alves and Beijing's He Yupeng collided near the halfway line on the left flank. The Beijing defender, initially off the field, appeared to deliberately move back onto the pitch to impede the visiting team's attack, leading to an altercation. Television coverage, however, avoided showing the direct confrontation, instead panning to the technical areas of both teams, seemingly to prevent broadcasting violence.

A video of the incident, later shared by Chinese spectators on social media platforms such as Weibo, Sina, and 163, showed the intense brawl lasting about 30 seconds. As He Yupeng received medical attention, CAHN players urged their opponent to move off the field to resume play. Beijing players reacted strongly, especially when CAHN's Alan Sebastiao pulled He Yupeng by the leg off the field, escalating the confrontation.

Witnessing his teammate being attacked, Cao Quang Vinh, who had been separated earlier, also rushed into the fray with Wu Shaocong. Stefan Mauk, Hugo Gomes, Bui Hoang Viet Anh, Rogerio Alves, and other CAHN players then intervened to break up the fight. During this time, objects were thrown from Beijing fans' Stand B, accompanied by insults.

Players clash in Hanoi Police FC (red) 2-2 draw with Beijing Guoan (blue) in the AFC Champions League Two 2025-2026 Group E opener at Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China, on 18/9. Photo: Beijing Shooting.

A water bottle struck a Beijing medical staff member's head before hitting Le Pham Thanh Long's face. Beijing players raised their hands to calm their supporters and moved away with CAHN players. Midfielder Mauk became agitated, pointing and confronting the group of fans, only to be restrained by a home player.

Without video assistant referee (VAR) technology, the Thai referee team, led by referee Wiwat Jumpaoon, had to make decisions based on what they witnessed. Initially, Jumpaoon issued yellow cards to Cao Quang Vinh and Wu Shaocong. He then consulted with his three assistants at Stand A and informed the organizers of the situation. The Workers' Stadium organizers used loudspeakers to appeal for calm from the fans. After a two-minute consultation, referee Wiwat issued additional yellow cards to Stefan Mauk and Wang Ziming. No red cards were shown following the altercation.

After four matches in Group E, CAHN and Beijing Guoan both have 5 points. The Vietnamese representative ranks higher due to a superior goal difference (+2 compared to 0). Macarthur of Australia leads the group with 7 points, while Tai Po from Hong Kong is in last place with 4 points.

Two matches remain in the group stage to determine the two teams that will advance to the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League Two. CAHN will host Beijing Guoan at Hang Day Stadium on 27/11, then travel to face Tai Po on 11/12.

Trung Thu