Referee Tran Dinh Thinh and his last words before passing away: 'Let me finish first…'

On August 4, the refereeing and football world in Vietnam was shocked to receive sad news. Referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away at a hospital in Hanoi.

Tragedy...

The referee, born in 1982, fainted while participating in a physical examination organized by the Vietnam Football Federation and Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company early in the morning of August 3. The examination took place at the Hanoi Athletics Palace. Before the examination, all referees had to have a medical certificate and referee Tran Dinh Thinh's medical indicators showed no abnormalities.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh – an experienced and dedicated person – participated in the physical test like many other colleagues.

Looking back at the career of referee Tran Dinh Thinh: FIFA standard, famous for being strict

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh checks VAR

Photo: Kha Hoa

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh has passed away...

However, tragedy struck when he entered the final laps. In the final run, 300 meters from the finish line, referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly fell down. His colleagues right next to him supported him and referee Thinh said weakly: "Let me finish the race first."

That was also his last words. Immediately after that, referee Tran Dinh Thinh collapsed and lost consciousness.

The medical team present at the stadium immediately rushed to provide first aid on the spot, and quickly transferred him to the hospital by ambulance arranged by the Organizing Committee right at the training site. He fell into a deep coma and underwent dialysis, but many hours later, his body no longer accepted and showed no reaction.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away at the age of 43. Mourning the talented and hardworking man.

Despite the doctors' best efforts, he did not survive.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh is a familiar face in the domestic refereeing community, with many years of experience in officiating at professional tournaments. He is considered a principled, fair person and especially always maintains a professional and serious working spirit. His last words - "let me finish the race" - are not only a word of encouragement, but also become a symbol of responsibility until the last moment. And leave a haunting choking feeling for those who witnessed that moment.

A great loss for the refereeing world

News of the passing of Vietnam’s Silver Whistle Tran Dinh Thinh quickly spread throughout the Vietnamese football community. Many clubs, colleagues, the media and former players sent their condolences to his family.

The specialized vehicle carrying the body of referee Tran Dinh Thinh is on its way back to Dong Nai.

Photo: Thanh Nien

The funeral of referee Tran Dinh Thinh will be held in his hometown Dong Nai. VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu sadly shared: “This is a great loss for Vietnamese football, especially for the national referee force. Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was not only a professional referee, serious in his work, but also a person who was loved by all his colleagues. His passing leaves a big void and unspeakable pain. On behalf of VFF and the training program's organizing committee, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. VFF will coordinate with VPF Company to organize the funeral in the most solemn and meaningful way."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-va-cau-noi-cuoi-cung-truoc-khi-qua-doi-de-toi-chay-not-ve-dich-da-185250804071740282.htm