New Zealand soccer gone wild!

Things weren't looking too good for referee Matt Stoneman.

In just the 27th minute, the New Zealand ref had allowed a controversial goal in a Pacific Premiership match between the Western Rangers and Signature Homes Port Hill.

After two subsequent red cards, all hell was starting to break loose.

The team that allowed the goal was marching off the field in protest (following their ejected coach's and captain's orders) and enraged fans were entering the field to give the ref an earful.

Verbal abuse from the fans toward poor Stoneman was looking to turn worse, before Port Hill reserve Mitch O'Brien came to the ref's aid.

"They were swearing at him [referee] and he's only a young fellow and he seemed to be quite intimidated by that so I told them to get lost," O'Brien said.

"One of them gave me a headbutt so I gave them one back. You know he [the referee] doesn't have to be scared of that sort of nonsense, mate," he said.

I love how nonchalant the guy is after exchanging headbutts with an angry kiwi. Just another typical day down under.

But the league is taking the abuse of the refs very seriously.

A major initiative is under way to launch a campaign next season to curb such undesirable behaviour.

Hopefully they survive until then. It's gonna be a looooooong season...