A regular soccer match turned deadly after a petty argument between a referee and a player became violent and sparked more carnage in Brazil, raising red flags about the safety of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.
According to the Associated Press, Otávio Jordao da Silva de Catanhede was reportedly stoned to death and then his body was sliced into several parts with his head displayed atop a stake.
The 20-year old Jordao served as a referee in a soccer game in Piux XII when he engaged in an argument with player Linda dos Santos Abreu because of a disputed call. Jordao ejected Abreu which led to a fight, and later turned bloody when Jordao used a small knife to stab the player.
The 31-year Abreu reportedly died on his way to the hospital, but Jordao paid the price as he drew the ire of the player's friends and family members, who tied up the referee and then stoned him to death.
The mob then "quartered" Jordao's body to several parts and displayed his head atop a wooden stake in the middle of the soccer ground.
According to Brazilian authorities, they have already arrested one man and are searching for two others involved in the killing.
"Witness Reports have already indicated some people that were (there) at the time. We will identify and blame all involved," senior law enforcement officer Valter Costa told the Spanish website, Correio24horas.com, on Sunday. "A crime will never justify the other. Actions like this do not collaborate with the legality of a rule of law."
The incident is causing concerns regarding the safety of players in next year's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
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