An amateur footballer is on the run in Mexico after allegedly headbutting and killing a referee.

According to local newspaper "Criterio Hidalgo," amateur footballer Ruben Rivera Vazquez headbutted referee Victor Trejo after he was shown a red card for disputing a decision during a match between Canarios-Rojo Gomez and Lindavista on Sunday morning.

Paramedics at the scene tried in vain to resuscitate the stricken official but later confirmed that he had died from "widespread subarachnoid hematoma,” caused by a blow to the head.

Distressing photos from the "Amigos del Balon” (Friends of the ball) sports field in Tulancingo, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Mexico City, show the motionless body of the referee under a blue tarpaulin while police set up a crime scene.

Local police said that the player was still on the run after fleeing the scene in a pick-up truck.