Friendly match postponed due to local security unrest

The friendly football match between Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC and Song Lam Nghe An FC, scheduled for May 2026 at Nghe An Province Stadium, has been postponed indefinitely due to complex security developments in the locality. This was confirmed by the tournament organizing committee on the evening of August 13, 2026. The main reason cited was a recent incident when the team bus carrying players and coaching staff of Hong Linh Ha Tinh was attacked during a training trip in Dien Chau area. According to captain Nguyen Van Hung, a group of strangers threw stones at the bus, forcing the driver to speed away. “We nearly had a serious accident. Everyone had to lie down on the floor to avoid being hit,” Hung shared at a press conference on August 12. Earlier, the coaching staff of both teams had repeatedly worked with local police to ensure safety for the match. However, after the incident, Song Lam Nghe An’s leadership decided to request a postponement. “We want to hold the match, but the safety of players and fans comes first. When the situation stabilizes, we will set a new date,” said technical director Phan Van Tai. Head coach of Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Nguyen Thanh Cong, expressed regret but supported the decision. “Football is joy, but it cannot be traded for human lives. I believe the players understand and will focus on upcoming goals,” he said. No new date has been announced yet. Both teams are expected to participate in the national championship starting in September, and this friendly was an important warm-up. The organizing committee promises to update the new schedule as soon as security conditions improve.