Referee beaten to death in soccer match in El Salvador
José Arnoldo Amaya died in hospital at the weekend after being assaulted by players and fans following his decision to send a footballer off.
A referee in El Salvador has died after being assaulted during a soccer match held in the country’s capital, San Salvador, at the weekend.
Referee taken to hospital but dies of injuries
José Arnoldo Amaya suffered fatal injuries after being attacked by players and supporters in an amateur game played in the city’s Miramonte area.
Arnoldo Amaya died in hospital due to internal bleeding caused by the assault, which occurred following the official’s decision to send a player off.
The Salvadoran Soccer Federation (FESFUT) has released a statement saying it “condemns, laments and rejects” the violence.
FESFUT’s statement in full:
“The Salvadoran Soccer Federation condemns, laments and rejects the fatal physical assault on the referee José Arnoldo Amaya, by pseudo fans and players during the game he was refereeing at the Toluca soccer pitch in San Salvador.
“As a federation, we reject all the acts of violence that are occurring on the different sporting stages in our country.
“The referee Amaya, who belongs to the Salvadoran National Association of Soccer Referees, was brutally attacked, before being transferred to the Hospital Zacamil. As a result of the serious injuries he suffered, he died at hospital.
“A referee with 20 years of experience, Amaya took charge of district and school competitions, and Amateur League tournaments belonging to the San Salvador Local Amateur Soccer Association.
“FESFUT’s Executive Committee wishes to express its deepest condolences to his family.”