A footballer has been jailed for at least eight years after punching to death a referee in a Michigan United Soccer League match in America.

Bassel Saad

Bassel Saad had already been booked when official John Bieniewicz adjudged him to have committed another foul and prepared to show him a second yellow card. Instead of accepting his punishment, the player reacted by knocking the referee unconscious with a single punch, leaving him lifeless on the pitch.

Bieniewicz, 44, was taken to a Detroit hospital but passed away two days later, resulting in Saad being charged with involuntary manslaughter.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a minimum of eight years in prison and ordered to pay €8700 towards funeral costs  by judge Thomas Cameron, who delivered a final damning verdict on Friday.”