Beiniewicz , a referee in the Michigan United Soccer League , was felled by a punch from Bassel Saad as he prepared to send him off . The punch knocked him unconscious . Bieniewicz died two days later in hospital . Saad was imprisoned for at least eight years this week . In the courtroom , John Bieniewicz 's widow showed him a red card . Tragedies are rare but you only had to watch Manchester United–Arsenal and Chelsea-Paris Saint-Germain to know that referees are under siege .
John Bieniewicz , a referee in the Michigan United Soccer League , was felled by a punch from Bassel Saad as he prepared to send him off . The punch knocked him unconscious . Bieniewicz died two days later in hospital . Saad was imprisoned for at least eight years this week . In the courtroom , Beiniewicz 's widow showed him a red card . Tragedies are rare but you only had to watch Manchester United–Arsenal and Chelsea-Paris Saint-Germain to know that referees are under siege .