Goalkeeper Trần Bửu Ngọc has been banned for four matches and fined VNĐ15 million (US$670) according to the Việt Nam Football Federation’s Discipline Department yesterday.

Ngọc of Cần Thơ FC committed a serious foul during a match against Sài Gòn FC at the V.League’s round 17 last weekend.

The former national goalie, in his attempt to block a ball, trampled striker Trịnh Duy Long’s right shin, causing an injury. Ngọc was sent off.

VFF said Ngọc’s foul was not deliberate but it was considered dangerous so the fine was necessary.

Ngọc, who apologised to Long for the incident after the match said it was a heavy ban but he would not complain.

He will be able to return to the game on August 21 when Cần Thơ host Quảng Ninh Coal at home.

On the same day, VFF also handed a four-match ban and VNĐ10 million ($450) fine to Nguyễn Đức Thịnh, assistant coach of Sài Gòn FC due to his bad behaviour during the same match.