Enraged spectators invaded a football field, stoned the referee to death and quartered his body after he fatally stabbed a player.

The Public Safety Department of the state of Maranhao said it began when referee Otavio da Silva expelled player Josenir Abreu from a game last weekend.

The two got into a fist fight, then Silva took out a knife and stabbed Abreu, who died on his way to the hospital.

The statement issued this week said Abreu's friends and relatives immediately "rushed into the field, stoned the referee to death and quartered his body".

Local media said the spectators also decapitated Silva and stuck his head on a stake in the middle of the field.

Police have arrested one suspect.

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