Ref ‘killed by player he sent off’

A REFEREE has died after being attacked by a player he sent off during a match.

Jose Valdemar Hernandez Capetillo was in a coma for a week before dying of brain injuries early on Saturday.

The part-time Mexican referee had redcarded a player during an amateur game in Xalapa, in the eastern state of Veracruz, on Christmas Eve. Valentin Ramirez, president of the professional referees’ association AMA, said: “Action is now being taken to ensure justice is done following the death of our colleague.”

The player, identified only by the name Milton, is understood to have been arrested and is in police custody.