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
Kelly Haapala
Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor
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.
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.
1 / 6
No description found@KellyHaapala@KellyHaapalaNo description found@KellyHaapalaThis is the red card fans were holding. @KellyHaapala
