Football Player Dies After Huge Brawl Sparked By Referee's Decision

A football player in the United States has tragically died from injuries sustained in a brawl which broke out in a match following a contentious refereeing decision.

ABC News have reported that Misael Sanchez, 29, died on Monday – 15 days after being attacked by rival players during a match in California.

Police were called to an incident on July 10 following reports of a fight taking place on a football pitch at Oxnard High School.

The incident took place in Oxnard, California (Image: Alamy)

The authorities found an unresponsive Sanchez lying on the pitch when they arrived, according to a statement released by the Oxnard Police Department.

"Officers spoke to witnesses and learned the fight was between two adult soccer teams," the statement read.

"The fight occurred when the two teams disagreed with a referee's decision.

"Sanchez was on the field playing soccer for one of the two teams when the fight broke out.

Misael Sanchez died 15 days after being attacked (Image: Alamy)

"During the fight, Sanchez was assaulted by multiple assailants."

Sanchez was subsequently taken to the Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition.

He later died from his injuries, said the Ventura County Police Department.

Police have confirmed that one man has been arrested in relation to the incident.

The authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

One man has been arrested in connection with the alleged attack (Image: Alamy)

An autopsy is scheduled to take place on Tuesday to determine Sanchez's exact cause of death.

Last month, a referee in El Salvador died after being attacked by players for showing a red card.

Jose Arnoldo Amaya, 63, died from internal bleeding after being attacked while he was refereeing an amateur match at the Toluca Stadium in Miramonte.