LIVONIA, MI -- Prosecutors are considering elevated charges against a Dearborn man after the death of John Bieniewicz, a 44-year-old soccer referee who police say was assaulted during a Sunday adult-league match.

Police believe Bassel Saad, 36, of Dearborn, punched Bieniewicz after growing angry when the referee signaled for his ejection during a soccer match at Mies Park on West Chicago Street in Livonia around noon Sunday, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's office.

Bieniewicz was a longtime soccer enthusiast from Westland who worked at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor as a dialysis technician.

He was hospitalized after the incident and Detroit Receiving Hospital confirmed Tuesday that he died.

While he was clinging to life Monday, Saad was arraigned in Livonia District Court on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

The charge could be amended, the prosecutor's office announced after news came of Bieniewicz's death.

"The charges will be reviewed and amended when appropriate confirmations are made and other necessary documentation is received," said Maria Miller, spokesperson for prosecutor's office.

Jim Acho, a friend of Bieniewicz, described him in an interview with the Associated Press as a 6-foot-5 athlete who played football and basketball at Catholic Central High School before gravitating to soccer and becoming a well-respected referee over two decades.

"I speak for all his friends when I say we are devastated. Crushed. Just a senseless way for a great guy to go out," Acho said. "He deserved better."

Acho said Bieniewicz's organs were being donated and a fund was being established to help his family.

Saad's attorney Brian Berry said his client is not guilty of the assault charge.

"As the case progresses we expect to learn the cause of the referee's injuries," Berry said.