The player punched the ref in the head when he warned him another violation and he'd be kicked out of the game.  The ref later died.

Local soccer referee Mike Ficher says the whole story is sad.

"I think unfortunately it speaks volumes about how sports has grown out of proportion to everyday life.  I think it should be a call for some parents, coaches and players that these are games, especially since this occurred at the recreation level -- games that are supposed to be played for fun.  We have to keep some perspective about what the game is and what we're doing in youth sports."

The Utah ref suffered serious internal head injuries that ultimately killed him.