Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool manager, famously said that "some people think football is a matter of life and death ... I can assure you it is much more serious than that."
Evidently that train of thought lives on in the Turkish Super Lig, as a spectator ventured onto the pitch to attack a referee during a derby on Sunday.
During the Trabzonspor vs Fenerbahce match, a fan ran onto the pitch behind the home side's goal to attack the fifth official, who stands behind the goal line.
Trabzonspor were behind 0-4, but the scoreline is no excuse for the behaviour of this fan, who was quickly piled on by numerous security guards.
Attacked: An assistant referee in a Turkish football derby was viciously set upon by a fan during the match.Credit:YouTube
The shocking footage shows the unsuspecting referee the victim of the unprovoked attack, while the Trabzonspor keeper helplessly looks on.
Former Manchester United stars Robin van Persie and Nani had both found the net in the second half to push the lead to four prior to the fan's attack.
The match was abandoned as hundred of fans rushed the pitch, with riot police forced to bring the situation under control.