Police in Maranhao, Brazil, say that a fight broke out between referee Otavio da Silva and player Josenir Abreu over the decision to send off Abrue.
Da Silva is said to have took out a knife and stabbed the player, who died on the way to hospital.
Friends and family of Abreu reportedly stormed the pitch after the stabbing and stoned da Silva to death.
A statement from the Public Safety Department said that his body was then quartered and he was then decapitated.
The head was reportedly stuck on a sake in the middle of the field.
One man has been arrested in connection with the killing.
A spokesman said: "One crime will never justify another.
"Actions like this do not correspond with state law."
