Referee shot dead during football match in Ecuador

An amateur football match in Ecuador ended in tragedy after referee Javier Ortega was shot dead by unidentified attackers.

The incident took place in the city of Pasaje in the coastal province of El Oro, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Several armed individuals approached the 48-year-old referee during the match and opened fire. Ortega died at the scene. The attack occurred in front of dozens of spectators, including the victim’s family.

Tournament organisers have suspended all matches pending further investigation. Law enforcement authorities are treating the incident as a targeted killing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada