VietNamNet Bridge – Among the five candidates for the Golden Whistle title, recently announced by the Viet Nam Football Federation, referee Vo Quang Vinh stands out as the front runner to take the title for his work during the 2010-11 season.

Fair call: Referee Vo Quang Vinh (left) during a V-League match. Vinh has joined the race for football referee of the year. — File Photo
Vinh has made impressive progress during his three years with the V-League. The central Khanh Hoa Province-based official is well known as an objective referee who has the ability to be in the right place at the right time, and make quick and accurate decisions.

His work has always been highly appreciated by his colleagues and federation officials as represented by their high marks for his performance after each game.

Unlike many other referees, Vinh does not rely on handing out yellow and red cards to players but prefers to warn them to improve their behaviour. Vinh, a former footballer, has a good understanding of players which gives him an advantage when making decisions.

This season, Vinh, who pocketed the Silver Whistle last year, was assigned to officiate the National Cup final on August 27, one of the most important matches of the season.

"Being on the short list is an honour for every referee including me. The title is meant to recognise our contribution to the sport. The Silver Whistle last year made me a little excited to do better this season," said Vinh.

"I found that I am a man of firm stuff who can stand under heavy pressure on the field and from fans," he added.

Referee Vu Bao Linh, who plans to retire in 2012 after 15 years on the job, is also a bright candidate for the award.

The VFF's Referee Council expressed their appreciation for Linh's work this season by assigning him to officiate 15 matches, more than any of his colleagues. One of the most memorable clashes under his watchful eyes was the key match between Song Lam Nghe An vs Ha Noi T&T in the V-League final.

The three other nominees for this year's award are Nguyen Trong Thu, Nguyen Phi Long and Phung Dinh Dung.

Last year's winner Vo Minh Tri failed to make the top list because of a serious officiating error near the end of the season.

Referee's assistants are also honoured every year with the Golden Flag title. This year, Nguyen Ngoc Ha is predicted to make a hat trick in this category. The Hai Duong Province referee, who won titles in 2009 and 2010, is followed by Nguyen Phong Vu, Tran Thanh Liem, Pham Manh Long and Nguyen Hong Minh.

The winners of the titles are decided based on votes collected from VFF's officials, referees and sport reporters.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News