A local football match descended into chaos after a referee was shot dead in front of players and spectators.
Javier Ortega, 48, was gunned down on the pitch after attackers stormed the field mid-game.
Eyewitnesses say unidentified gunmen approached during the match and opened fire at the well-known amateur league official.
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He collapsed in front of stunned players and fans as the killers fled the sports ground in Pasaje, El Oro Province, Ecuador, on Sunday (12 April).
Paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save him – and he was pronounced dead at the venue.
The match was immediately abandoned as terrified crowds scrambled for cover.
Police believe the killing may have been a targeted hit.
A spokesperson said: “We are currently reviewing mobile phone footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the perpetrators.
“This is a cold-blooded crime committed in a space meant for community and sport.”
Refereeing bodies have since expressed outrage, calling for tighter security at grassroots games.
One football official said: “Javier was a dedicated official, to lose a life over a game of football is unacceptable.”
The shocking killing has highlighted growing concerns over violence spilling into amateur football in Ecuador, as reported by Need To Know.
Police investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made so far.
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This is honestly disgusting. To kill somebody over such an amazing sport really sums up the world we live in. Football is a beautiful sport. I play and even referee the game and to see people kill a referee really makes me sick inside. This behaviour is not on and the FA need to get tighter and clamp down on safety at grassroots games. For anybody who knew this lovely referee, I am thinking about you in this gruelling time, god bless you.