Football Club president punches referee
2023.12.12
The Turkish Football Federation has suspended all league matches indefinitely following a brutal attack on a referee.
Following a violent attack on a referee after a Süper Lig match between Ankaragücü and Rizespor on Monday night, the Turkish Football Federation has postponed all league fixtures indefinitely.
Faruk Koca, the president of Turkish top-flight club Ankaragücü, went onto the field and hit referee Halil Umut Meler in the face after the 1-1 draw at Eryaman Stadium in Ankara, in which the home team conceded an equalizing goal in the 97th minute.
Meler fell to the ground shortly after the strike and was kicked by at least two others. With the assistance of many players and security people, the FIFA-licensed referee was ultimately helped to his feet and carried away from the pitch.
Several photographs and videos show Meler walking off the field with a swollen left eye and a bag of ice, flanked by security with riot shields. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
“We strongly condemn the inhumane and despicable attack on Halil Umut Meler, the match’s FIFA-licensed referee, by self-aware criminals following the Trendyol Süper Lig match,” the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) stated in a statement.
“We are closely following Halil Umut Meler’s health condition and wish a speedy recovery to our valuable referee.”
The federation immediately declared that the board of directors had resolved to postpone all league matches indefinitely, and that criminal procedures had been launched against those responsible for the “inhumane attack.”
“The responsible club, the Club President, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way,” claimed the federation’s statement.
“My brain went crazy, and my vision went black!” “I have no idea what I did!” Koca said.
In a statement released on X Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan denounced the incident.
“I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragücü-Çaykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a quick recovery,” Erdogan stated in a statement. “Sports symbolizes peace and brotherhood.” Sport and violence are incompatible. We will never tolerate violence in Turkish sports.”
Ankaragücü, the president of the club that launched the attack, apologized for the event.
“As MKE Ankaragücü Sports Club, we are saddened by the incident that took place this evening,” a statement from the club said.
“We apologize to the Turkish football public and the entire sports community for the sad incident that occurred after the Çaykur Rizespor match at Eryaman Stadium.”
“We strongly condemn the undesirable events that occurred after the Ankaragücü match we played today,” Rizespor said in a message to Meler. We wish the whole referee community, especially the match’s referee, Halil Umut Meler, a speedy recovery.”
Meler, 37, has been a FIFA-certified official since 2017. Meler was treated for a slight fracture and hemorrhage around his left eye, according to Acbadem Ankara Hospital Chief Physician Dr. Mehmet Yörübulut, and will stay at the hospital overnight as a precaution owing to the head trauma.
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