In the past, I have been the supervisor of officials for one local assn., and I will be again this coming season. I wouldn't tolerate this kind of behavior from a first year high school kid just learning to be a ref, let alone a veteran. I agree with all the posts that said this guy couldn't keep either the situation or his own emotions under control.
Maybe I'm spoiled. I have never let a situation get out of control to this extent. Of course, a lot of the reason for that is I work hard to make sure it doesn't happen. I can't believe he didn't have the option to have some kind of management personnel involved with the spectators.
Believe me, I have done my share of rec tournaments, but perhaps the fans around here are a tad more civilized.
Notice I said "a tad".
When it comes to fan behavior, take the advice of that sage, Barney Fife: "Nip it, nip it in the bud."