Detroit City FC fans honor slain soccer referee with red card salute

Moment of silence held at beginning of game, then again at 44th minute

DETROIT – Fans at Sunday's Detroit City FC game stood for a minute of silence to remember and honor a soccer referee who died this past week after being struck by a player during an adult league match in Livonia.

At the 44th minute of City's game against the Cincinnati Saints, everyone in the stands stood up holding a red card for a minute of silence. There also was a minute of silence at the beginning of the match.

Story: Thursday funeral set for soccer ref attacked at game

The demonstration was done in memory of 44-year-old John Bieniewicz. It is alleged a player intentionally punched Bieniewicz while objecting to being ejected from the game on June 29 at Mies Park in Livonia. A Dearborn man is charged in the attack.

The following photos are courtesy of Kelly Haapala (@KellyHaapala).

City went on to beat the Saints, 2-0.

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