California man dead after brawl at men’s league soccer match

A California adult league soccer player died Monday from injuries suffered two weeks ago during an on-field brawl, police said.

Misael Sanchez, 29, was playing in a game on July 10 in Oxnard when the referee made a controversial decision, police said in a Facebook post. That decision led to a massive brawl that involved players and fans.

Video of the brawl has not been seen publicly, but when the fracas ended, Sanchez was not responsive, cops said. He was taken to a hospital in Ventura County, about 50 miles west of Los Angeles.

Sanchez was initially listed in critical condition, but died from his injuries early Monday morning, police said. An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday to determine his cause of death.

Oxnard police said Sanchez was attacked by multiple people and identified one of the assailants as 46-year-old Berlin Jose Melgara. But Melgara has not yet been charged with a crime, as police are still investigating the case.

Sanchez’s family set up a GoFundMe, which reads in part: “We were not ready for this type of goodbye. At this time, we are asking for your prayers, and if you can contribute financially, it will be greatly appreciated. The donations will help the family through these hard times.”