A man has been arrested after an amateur football game in Brazil turned into a gruesome double murder scene.

Problems arose when the referee Octavio da Silva Catanhede Jordan, 20, sent off Josenir dos Santos Abreu, 30, during the match last Sunday in Maranhao. According to Correio24horas, a Brazilian newspaper, Josenir refused to leave and insulted the referee, who then stabbed the player.

Spectators apparently ran onto the pitch in rage to take revenge. According to reports, the referee was allegedly tied up and stoned to death before being quartered and then beheaded on the pitch.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

A 27-year-old man is said to have been arrested, and police are seeking two other suspects. Josenir was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries, according to

Police chief Valter Costa said: "One crime never justifies another crime. Actions likes this do not collaborate with the legality of state law."