Police say a Serbian soccer referee has been detained for awarding a non-existent penalty during an important league match.

Police say Srdjan Obradovic is suspected of "committing a criminal act of abusing his official position."

Obradovic awarded the penalty to Spartak Subotica in the weekend match against Radnicki Nis that gave the home side a 2-0 victory. The two teams are fighting for a spot in the Europa League.

Police say Obradovic "is suspected of favoring the home side."

TV footage shows that the ball did not hit a Radnicki defender in his hand in the penalty area.