The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) on Friday decided to halve the six-match suspension on the country's leading striker Le Cong Vinh for kowtowing to referee Vu Bao Linh on March 21.

On Tuesday March 23, VFF decided to impose a six-game suspension penalty and a VND10-million fine, based on the league's regulation 39.

Regulation 39 says that a player will be suspended six matches and fined VND10 million (US$520) for doing something to a referee's body.

VFF's complaint-resolving department explained that it now applies the league's regulation 62, which says that a player will be suspended at least two games and fined at least VND5 million for protesting a referee's decision.

The department said Vinh just kowtowed to referee Linh in protest at Linh's decision during the match between his club Hanoi T&T and hosts Dong Thap at Cao Lanh Stadium in V-League's sixth round.

The suspension has been reduced by half but the fine remains the same. The complaint-resolving department said the penalty aimed to deter players from violating rules.