Coach Velizar Popov was not satisfied with the yellow card that referee Ngo Duy Lan gave to striker Rimario Gordon. The Bulgarian strategist said: " Today I am not satisfied with Rimario's yellow card. That penalty card is not worth it. He received 2 yellow cards in previous matches so he will be absent in the next match ."

In addition, there was a controversial situation when Geovane kicked Doan Ngoc Tan in the chest in the first half. Mr. Ngo Duy Lan only gave a yellow card instead of expelling the home team player. Mr. Popov said he would not comment on the referee's decision because he had not observed it clearly.

In the match at Hang Day Stadium on the evening of February 27, Thanh Hoa FC suffered a 1-3 defeat to Hanoi Police FC. The home team's goalscorers were Ho Tan Tai, Nguyen Quang Hai and Vu Van Thanh. The player who scored the honorary goal for Coach Popov's team was Le Van Thang.

Evaluating the match, Mr. Popov said: " I have no problem with this match. The whole team performed their best in each match. Against a good team like Hanoi Police Club, we did not have Thanh Diep and Gustavo. Thanh Hoa is not a team with good finances and good force. But we always play dedicated football. In football, we accept that if we create opportunities but do not take advantage of them, the opponent will have a favorable result."

The head coach of Thanh Hoa Club did not blame the players. He said that the victory was the team's achievement, and if the team lost, the coach would take responsibility. At the same time, he wanted the team to maintain their playing philosophy. Mistakes can happen but they must not be repeated.

" We are not under pressure to be high on the rankings. That is why Thanh Hoa played the way they wanted, beautiful football. The whole team showed their best and fought until the final whistle," Mr. Popov emphasized.

On the other side, Coach Kiatisak said the players have improved their fitness and confidence to achieve good form. " I have never lost to Thanh Hoa so I told the players not to lose this match. The tactic was to play close and it was successful ."

In addition, Coach Kiatisak further assessed Quang Hai: " He has improved in many ways, especially his confidence. I often talk to Hai and help him improve in many aspects. He is a good listener and has leadership qualities ."