Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
In what was simply an amateur soccer match last Sunday in Brazil, one of the more gruesome sports stories we’ve seen in a while has emerged. A 20 year old referee was murdered by fans following a match.
He was then beheaded, with fans proceeding to place his head on a spike in retaliation to an earlier incident taking place in the game.
In the Maranhao region of northeastern Brazil, 30 year old Josenir dos Santos Abreu had made his way to the referee, Otavio Jordao da Silva, in effort to argue a call that was made.
A punch was thrown by Abreu, which was followed by da Silva grabbing a knife from his pocket that he was carrying throughout the match. Da Silva stabbed the player, who ultimately died on the way to the hospital.
The player’s friends and family proceeded to invade the pitch and tied up the referee. They stoned him, beat him, lynched him and then quartered him — severing each of his limbs. When finished, they took his head and placed it on a spike.
At this point, there has only been one arrest made. 27-year-old Luis Moraes Souza has been taken in for the crime and the authorities are said to be looking for at least two more in connection to the murder.
Chief of police, Valter Costa gave a statement in regards to the incidents:
“Reports of witnesses have indicated some people that were in place at the time of the fact. We will identify and hold accountable all those involved. A crime will never justify another. Actions like this do not collaborate with the legality of state law.”
Ryan Heckman is a Senior NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
