Domestic football in Turkey has been stopped indefinitely after a club president savagely attacked one of the country’s top referees.
MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca approached Halil Umut Meler, 37, on the pitch and attacked him, resulting in chaotic scenes with players and officials joining the melee or attempting to intervene. Meler had sent out one player from each team before allowing Caykur Rizespor to equalize in the seventh minute of additional time. The game ended 1-1.
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Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s president, has condemned the incident, and the Turkish Football Federation has suspended all domestic football indefinitely. The federation blamed the “despicable attack” on a toxic mentality toward officials established by numerous players.
Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has condemned the attack, while the Turkish Football Federation has halted all domestic football indefinitely. In a statement, the federation blamed the “despicable attack” on a toxic culture towards referees that it said had been fostered by many players and club officials.
statements made by the club presidents
“The irresponsible statements of club presidents, managers, coaches and TV commentators targeting referees have paved the way for this vile attack today,” said the TFF. “In coordination with our State, all the criminal proceedings they deserve have begun to be implemented against those responsible and instigators of this inhumane attack.
“The responsible club, its president, its managers and all criminals who attacked Meler will be punished in the most severe way. By the decision of the TFF Board of Directors, matches in all leagues have been postponed indefinitely.”
Both Meler and Koca were subsequently taken to hospital, according to Turkish media. Koca was said to be under guard is expected to be detained following treatment. Meler is on UEFA’s elite list and has previously officiated in the UEFA Champions League. He also took charge of West Ham ’s Conference League semi-final first leg against AZ Alkmaar last season.
President Erdogan said in a statement: “I condemn the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler after the MKE Ankaragucu-Caykur Rizespor match played this evening, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
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