A Vietnam international defender has been given a record 28-game ban by the Vietnam Football Federation for a challenge that broke an opponent's leg during a league game.
Tran Dinh Dong fouled Nguyen Anh Hung with an over-the-top tackle that left the Hung Vuong An Giang midfielder in agony in the V-League game on Feb. 26.
The 26-year-old Song Lam Nghe An player was handed the huge ban and fined 20 million dong -- 567 pounds -- while also being ordered to pay Nguyen's medical bills.
Tran's coach Nguyen Huu Thang told local media that the club would appeal the ban, saying: "I will fine him if he does wrong. I think the VFF issued the fine under pressure from public opinion, not based on reality.
"We will appeal because his absence would strongly affect our name and V-League results."
The BBC quotes a VFF statement saying: "The punishment is meant to be a warning to players throughout the nation, where violent behaviour on the field has gradually become more popular."
If the ban is upheld, it would mean that Tran would miss the whole of 2014 through suspension.
Ngo le Bang, general secretary of the VFF, told ESPN FC: "Unfortunately that is true with a little correction that he is expected to be suspended to the end of the season of 2014 from all matches organised by our FA no matter how many games are remaining."
SLNA eventually won the game against An Giang 1-0, and currently sit fourth in the V-League after six games
Post by Sông Lam Nghệ An.