Spectators gasped in disbelief as the referee, still in his official uniform, was led off the pitch. Da Silva is currently in custody, facing charges related to drug trafficking.

Sharp-eyed viewers also may have noticed an addition to referee uniforms this season across all conferences— the initials "RR" are on all officials' hats for the 2024 season.

Blowing the whistle on referee abuse: U.S. Soccer has issued new and tougher sanctions this month on anyone who abuses a referee.