COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Collier County deputies arrested a Naples man after reportedly head-butting a referee during a game Wednesday night.

43-year-old Jose Luis Garcia did not react in the most “level-headed” manner while playing in a soccer game at Eagle Lakes Community Park in Lely.

Around 8:43 p.m., Collier County Sheriff’s Office received a call from witness Christian Nino in reference to a battery.

According to CCSO, Garcia told them that referee Juan Mendoza, 50, reprimanded him for a foul and believed the referee made a bad call.

He went to argue with the referee, earning him a “yellow card.”

“Whenever we do play, it gets a little physical,” said Alberto Trejo, who plays soccer at the fields. “I was just told to be careful — watch what I said.” 

When speaking with CCSO, Mendoza told deputies that Garcia is a member of the coaching staff for one of the teams.

However, Garcia’s verbal aggression continued to increase, with yelling and screaming profanities, at which point Mendoza issued a “red card” and kicked him out of the game.

But, before Garcia left the field, he went up to Mendoza and head-butted him in the mouth and face area, knocking him to the ground.

Word is spreading quickly around the pitch at Eagle Lakes Park.

Trejo shares that he wasn’t there when the attack happened, but he knows all about the headbutt that wasn’t aimed at putting a ball in the goal.  

“Regardless, whatever call the official makes, you can’t do anything about it,” Trejo said.  

According to Collier County Sheriff’s deputies, Garcia thought he could.

“I mean, I’ve been in certain situations where the official makes a certain call that I don’t think is fair or just,’ Trejo said. “Never taken it that far.” 

Junior Chlaz was at the other field earlier that evening. He said that this is an example of why he doesn’t like to play in that league.  

“Not everybody’s the same,’ Chalaz said. “There’s people who play dirty, and then there’s people who play normal.” 

Deputies arrested Garcia, and he is currently booked at the Collier County Jail. He is facing one count of battery on a sports official.  

“I think he should take a chill pill,” Nancy Morales said.  

And remember, while it might feel like it, any game out at Eagle Lakes Park isn’t the World Cup.  

“It’s only a game. It’s only a game,” Morales said. “He ain’t going to win anything out of it.” 

Get More from ABC7 as the latest details are released.