The Bulgarian fourth tier match between OFK Kostinbrod and Tornado Bezden was abandoned after players and fans chased the referee off the pitch.

It began with the showing of a yellow card, at which another player rushed in to take a swipe at the ref’s outstretched arm as he brandished it.

Tempers continued to flare as the booked player twice slapped the official’s head and pursued him, with a number of others joining in.

The unfortunate referee ran to the side of the pitch and eventually into the car park, with the game getting called off in the 21st minute.