A dispute in a recreational league soccer game turned ugly over the weekend, and on Tuesday, the consequences of the incident turned tragic.
Police in Livonia, Mich., say a 44-year-old man died Tuesday morning from injuries he received after being punched in the head during a soccer game Sunday.
John Bieniewicz of Westland, Mich., was refereeing the adult league game when he ejected one of the players, later identified as Bassel Abdul-Amir Saad. According to witnesses, Saad became upset at Bieniewicz and punched him in the head.
Bieniewicz was unconscious when police arrived on the scene and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
Saad fled the scene after Sunday’s incident, but witnesses were able to take pictures of his car and license-plate number. The 36-year-old was charged Monday afternoon with assault with intent to do bodily harm and faces a potential 10-year sentence.
Saad’s soccer team has been kicked out of the league, according to local news channel FOX 2.
Photo via Twitter/@CBCNews
