In the 88th minute, Lucas Alves fouled Rimario near the penalty area. Referee Nguyen Manh Hai immediately pointed to the penalty spot. However, after consulting VAR and reviewing the video, the main referee determined the foul occurred outside the penalty area, converting it to a direct free kick and issuing a direct red card to Alves instead of a yellow card.

Thanh Hoa could not capitalize on the direct free kick or their one-man advantage for eight minutes, including injury time, ultimately losing 0-1. Nam Dinh's only goal was scored in the 78th minute by foreign player Akolo Ababa.

The incident where Lucas Alves fouled Rimario in the 88th minute.

Coach Mai Xuan Hop expressed satisfaction with the team's persistent spirit despite difficulties, but regretted not securing at least one point. "We were awarded a penalty, but then it was pulled back. I don't know what to say," he stated at the post-match press conference. "I accept the game, but there are still disadvantages for a team that has faced numerous challenges."

In the previous round, Thanh Hoa also complained about the refereeing after being denied a penalty. Rimario was fouled inside the box, but the referee ruled it offside. Slow-motion video later sparked debate regarding the exact moment the ball touched a Thanh Hoa player's foot before reaching Rimario.

Thanh Hoa has not won in four consecutive matches, suffering three defeats. The team sits 12th with 13 points, two points ahead of last-place PVF-CAND, though having played one more match. The V-League relegation battle remains intense, with Becamex TP HCM and HAGL, the two teams above Thanh Hoa, only having 15 points.

"I don't wish for Thanh Hoa to be favored; we just need a fair game," Coach Mai Xuan Hop declared. "Weaker teams like Thanh Hoa need fairness even more. Every upcoming match is a final, and we are not afraid."

Thanh Hoa FC coach Mai Xuan Hop at the press conference after the 0-1 loss to Nam Dinh in V-League 2025-2026 round 16, at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 13/3. *Photo: QD*

At Thien Truong Stadium, Thanh Hoa only registered 17 players, including three goalkeepers. The team cannot add new players due to a FIFA ban on registrations, stemming from unpaid salaries for several foreign players. Meanwhile, the V-League 2025-2026 mid-season transfer window will close at 23h59 on 17/3.

Coach Mai Xuan Hop stated that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has assisted the club with FIFA procedures. "We already have new personnel; we are just waiting for FIFA to lift the ban," he noted. "The VFF has taken over the file to send it to FIFA soon, and we expect to be registered in one to two days."

Thanh Hoa's next match is hosting Cong an TP HCM in V-League round 17, on 5/4, following the national team's FIFA days.

Hieu Luong