© GettyShocking: Brazilian media have reported the incident. This is a stock picture of a referee
The referee was supposedly quartered and then had his head cut off before it was stuck on a stake.
This shocking act of violence was in retaliation after he 'stabbed' one of the players on the pitch in the Pius XII stadium, Maranhao.
According to Correio24horas, Octavio da Silva Catanhede Jordan, 20, sent off Josenir dos Santos Abreu, who refused to leave the field and began insulting him.
The referee is said to have been carrying a knife and he stabbed the player several times.
Fans - believed to be friends or relatives of the player - ran onto the field and stoned the referee to death.
© ReutersBad publicity: Brazil will be hosting the 2014 World Cup
Brazilian police chief Valter Costa said: '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 a state law.'
i honestly don't know what to say. what is going on with the world? its a game! a sporting event! you're supposed to root for the home team, enjoy the match, and maybe even 'boo' the opposing team. but stabbing people and cutting off their heads?
i honestly dont know what to say.