Referee suddenly passes away on a grassroots football field in Vũng Tàu

The sudden passing of referee Dương Hồng Phát after experiencing chest pain during a grassroots football game in Vũng Tàu has left the amateur football scene and refereeing community in great shock.

On the evening of December 24th, a grassroots football match took place on a 7-a-side artificial turf field in the Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu area (former) which suddenly became a painful memory for many witnesses.

During the match, referee Dương Hồng Phát suddenly showed signs of chest pain. He left the officiating area and tried to lean against the fence outside the field, appearing tired and struggling to breathe. These abnormal signs were quickly noticed by colleagues and players from both teams.

According to a video circulating among grassroots football community groups, within just over two minutes, referee Dương Hồng Phát’s condition worsened rapidly. From being conscious, he started to contract his legs, his body stiffened, and then gradually lost control. Players and referees present tried to provide first aid on the spot before rushing him to the nearest hospital.

Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Mr. Dương Hồng Phát did not survive. This heartbreaking news was quickly shared within the Ho Chi Minh City Amateur Referees group. Account Hưng Châu updated: “After all the efforts from the medical staff, family, and colleagues, he ultimately could not make it. Our condolences to the family.”. This brief announcement left many people deeply saddened and choked up.

A member of the Ho Chi Minh City Amateur Referees group shared about the late colleague: “Mr. Phát was very enthusiastic and approachable. Although not a professional referee, he always maintained seriousness and passion for officiating.”. To many, referee Dương Hồng Phát was a familiar figure among grassroots football workers—quiet, without glamour, but fully dedicated.

This incident also sparked many discussions within the community about health issues when participating in amateur sports. Many opinions emphasized the importance of listening to the body, especially warning signs like chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

The sudden loss of referee Dương Hồng Phát is not only a tragedy for his family and loved ones but also a wake-up call for the amateur football community about protecting health, preparing first aid knowledge, and playing sports within safe limits.